Parasocial Relationships in Children and Teens

Authors

• Bradley J. Bond, University of San Diego
• Karen E. Dill-Shackleford, Fielding Graduate University
• Jayson L. Dibble, Hope CollegeFollow
• Tracy R. Gleason, Wellesley College
• Nancy Jennings, University of Cincinnati
• Sarah Rosaen, University of Michigan-Flint
• Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster, Chapman University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-5-2024

Publication Source

Handbook of Children and Screens Digital Media Development and Well Being from Birth Through Adolescence

First Page

239

Last Page

244

ISBN

[9783031693618, 9783031693625]

Abstract

Media afford audiences opportunities to develop nonreciprocal, socioemotional bonds with fictional characters and celebrities called parasocial relationships. Audiences' parasocial relationships may feel like friendships, but they may also take the form of romantic attachments. The parasocial relationships that children and teens develop with their favorite media figures can serve as socialization agents. Fictional characters and celebrities that are perceived as important social others have the potential to teach, persuade, alter attitudes and beliefs, and influence identity and psychological well-being. The research on parasocial relationships among young people is reviewed here as a means of providing background and context for recommending future research to media psychology scholars, and for recommending actions that parents, teachers, and community members can take to better understand young people's lived experiences in the media-saturated world of today.

Keywords

Attitude development, Identification, Learning, Parasocial, Screentime, Socialization

Recommended Citation

Published in: Handbook of Children and Screens Digital Media Development and Well Being from Birth Through Adolescence, December 5, 2024, pages 239-244.