How Do You Spell PARASOCIAL INTERACTION?

1. Parasocial interaction refers to a psychological phenomenon in which individuals develop a one-sided, particularly intense relationship or connection with a media figure or character, usually through platforms like television, film, or social media. This term was coined by Horton and Wohl in 1956 to describe the pseudo-social relationships that can develop between audience members and media personalities.

   In parasocial interactions, individuals may experience a sense of connection, emotional involvement, and a perceived relationship with media figures or characters, despite the absence of any real-life, reciprocal interaction. This phenomenon often occurs when individuals form an attachment, invest emotions, and establish a sense of intimacy with media representations over time.

   The perceived relationship between the viewer and the media figure may be fueled by an individual's identification, imagination, or desire for companionship. It can be strengthened by frequent exposure to the media content, the perceived authenticity of the character or personality, or through the imagination of a supportive relationship where emotions, thoughts, and experiences are shared. Individuals may form mental models or narratives about the media figure and engage in behaviors as if they were interacting with a real person, such as talking to the screen or responding to social media posts.

   Parasocial interaction has gained increasing recognition due to the rise of social media and online content consumption. It has implications for media effects, mental health, and social behavior. Researchers analyze parasocial interactions to better understand how individuals build relationships with media figures and the impacts it has on their psychological well-being, social interactions, and overall media consumption.

The term "parasocial interaction" was coined by Donald Horton and Richard Wohl in 1956 based on the combination of two Greek roots: "para", meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "social", relating to human society or its organization. They used this term to describe the phenomenon of one-sided, imaginary relationships that individuals form with media figures, such as celebrities or television characters. The term has since been widely used in the field of media psychology to refer to these types of relationships.