>>70062794The truth is that parasociality is neither good nor bad.
It's just a natural reaction, and it's up to us to responsibly interpret and respond to those feelings and impulses.
Parasocial feelings are nothing new to humanity. Any emotional connection you form with something or someone that is indirect in nature is parasocial.
If you were saddened by the death of a celebrity, you were being parasocial.
If the words of a politician inspired you, you were being parasocial.
If you had an imaginary friend, that was parasocial.
And yes, having any amount of personal or emotional investment in a streamer is parasocial.
The list of examples goes on and on and on, but the point is that humans are social creatures. We seek connection and emotional validation by nature.
However, because parasocial relationships are indirect, they can't completely fulfill our needs. When you are lacking that fulfillment in your life, when these parasocial feelings are the closest you get, you run the risk of slipping into unhealthy mindsets and behaviors as your brain grasps harder and harder for what it needs.
The shape of the modern world didn't introduce parasociality, it only magnified it. Today, most people who spend enough time online have made a parasocial connection to someone else at least once.
(You) have a duty to yourself, your mental wellness, and to the comfort of others to understand yourself, know your limits, and know when you've crossed a line.
You cannot prevent these feelings. You can only keep them in check.
