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The hidden secret of influence: Why do you feel an inexplicable intimacy with media figures?
In today’s digital age, media figures are ever-present in our lives. Whether they are TV actors, social media influencers or radio hosts, they seem to have established a special connection with us. This psychological phenomenon is called "Parasocial Interaction" (PSI), which refers to the psychological relationship that audiences develop when they interact with these media characters. Audiences often consider these media figures to be friends or even important parts of their lives, despite the fact that they actually have very limited interaction with these characters. This phenomenon not only affects our emotions and behaviors, but also has a profound impact on our sense of identity and social interactions.
“A lot of people see media professionals as peers, so in a way, their emotions are like being in a recurring relationship.”
First, the term “pseudosocial interaction” was coined by Horton and Wohl in 1956 to describe the unique relationship between media users and media characters. Over time, the concept has been extended to the field of psychology and used to explain a range of behaviors and mentalities between people and media figures. This phenomenon has become more common with the rise of social media; users are able to engage more with media figures through comments, likes, and direct messages.
Not only can these virtual interactions allow viewers to feel a deeper sense of intimacy, they may also change their views on certain topics and even influence their purchasing behavior. This is because when media personalities are more consistent in their performance, audiences feel closer to them, forming an almost intimate relationship. This raises the question: Do we fully understand the nature of this emotion and the impact it has on our lives?
“Research shows that positive messages about media figures can strengthen audiences’ attraction and loyalty, leading them to develop a false sense of intimacy with the figure.”
In response to the formation of this kind of close relationship, psychologists have found that many viewers' emotions toward media figures depend on the information they convey, including displays of self-disclosure and trust. Especially in children and adolescents, this emotion is closely related to their social development. Research shows that children often develop a type of connection called "pseudosocial relationships" with media characters and use these characters for self-identification and social learning. These characters are not only a source of entertainment for them, but also become a medium for children to learn social skills.
But not all impacts are positive. According to some studies, when teenagers develop a strong attachment to these media characters, it can have a negative impact on their self-image and mental health. Especially when it comes to self-perception such as body image, the unrealistic standards often conveyed by media figures can cause anxiety and dissatisfaction among adolescents. This means that intimacy with these media characters is sometimes just a form of escapism, leading to a distorted perception of themselves and the world around them.
"The negative impact of media figures is increasingly being recognized, especially among adolescents and young adults, and this unhealthy social model can lead to a range of psychological challenges."
In thinking about the development of this relationship, can we question a question: Is this intimacy with media figures enriching our lives or blurring our understanding of the real world?
From a social psychology perspective, fake social interactions and even fake social relationships have such a profound impact on people of all ages that it may not only affect their emotional state, but also their identity. and behavioral patterns. Therefore, understanding the detailed connotation of this phenomenon will undoubtedly have far-reaching significance for future research on mental health education and media literacy education. We must learn to identify the potential risks and benefits of these social interactions and reflect on how we can find our own real connections in this influential media environment, so that all emotions and relationships are based on real interactions and understanding. superior?
