>>50793707Vtubers are dumb and don't realize they're the parasitic ones in the "parasocial" relationship. The power dynamic of a parasocial relationship is balanced in their favour and they reap monetary benefits from their lonely fans. It's not a new phenomon, media personalities have always acted as surrogate friends for lonely people even before the internet, think radio, talk shows etc.
But e-thots go "Eugh these LOSERS act like they KNOW me they're so parasocial omg I'm not your FRIEND"