Living in a parasocial world: When your new ‘best friend’ is a popular stranger

In 2025, ‘parasocial’ became the word of the year, reflecting a world where emotional bonds with public figures feel like friendships. From influencers to athletes, this one-sided connection offers comfort and community, blurring lines between fantasy and reality. This phenomenon, amplified by social media, shapes our modern human experience, bringing both joy and potential pitfalls.