>>109573463Title: The Effects of Parasocial Relationships on Vtubers
Author: Lunar_Novaa
Year: 2025
Participants: 5 independent Vtubers (2 male, 2 female, 1 non-binary)
Methodology: Semi-structured interviews, qualitative analysis using thematic coding
Paper grade: 68% (just below distinction/A*)
Study Objective
To explore how parasocial relationships — one-sided emotional connections that fans develop with creators — affect Vtubers. Most existing research focuses on viewers; little is known about the impact on the creators themselves.
Theoretical Context
Parasocial relationships: Horton & Wohl (1956) — mimic social interaction but are entirely one-sided.
Vtubers: Creators using avatars to represent an idealized or fictionalized version of themselves (Turner, 2022; Valente et al., 2022).
Femininity and gender: 78% of Vtubers are female or feminine-presenting (
Konvoy.vc, 2025). Models often reflect postfeminist, sexualized ideals (Gill, 2007), increasing susceptibility to parasocial attachment.
Parasocial relationships can benefit viewers (companionship, reduced loneliness, Tan 2023) but may negatively impact Vtubers (stress, discomfort, emotional labor).
Methodology
Sample: 5 Vtubers (small accounts, 10–15 concurrent viewers, 1–2k followers).
Data collection: 10–20 minute interviews, fully anonymized.
Analysis: Thematic coding to identify patterns in experiences and opinions.
Limitations:
Small sample results not generalizable.
All participants from North America.
Short interviews due to sensitive topic.
Limited diversity in model types and gender identities.
Key Findings
Origins of parasocial relationships:
Arise from interactive streams and smaller communities where viewers can get attention.
Blurred line between the avatar and the real person encourages projection by viewers.
Emotional impact on Vtubers:
Participants reported discomfort, feeling used, and emotional labor.
Relationships can create stress due to audience expectations and maintaining viewership.
Differences from traditional media:
Vtubers are more accessible than traditional celebrities, which intensifies parasocial connections.
Platform culture matters: some platforms encourage parasocial behavior, others discourage it.
Role of femininity:
Feminine-presenting Vtubers are more likely to experience parasocial attention, regardless of actual gender.
Supports literature on women being perceived as emotionally available and objectified (Gill, 2007).
Community perception:
Some parts of the community discourage parasocial behavior; others promote it for engagement.
Vtubers may avoid addressing parasocial behavior to prevent loss of viewers.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Parasocial relationships are common in the Vtuber community and can negatively affect creators, despite benefits for viewers.
Feminine-presenting models appear especially vulnerable.
Future research should examine:
The role of interactivity and audience size.
The relationship between the avatar and the creator’s real identity.
Strategies to protect creators while respecting viewer engagement.
Practical implications: support and guidance for Vtubers, platform policies to mitigate negative impacts.
Future Directions
Larger, more diverse samples across regions and follower sizes.
Study the effects of parasocial relationships on viewers.
Investigate the influence of model sexualization and gender representation on parasocial attachment.
If you want, I can also make a super-short 5-line version for quick presentations or notes. Do you want me to do that?
