Parasocial relationships | Linh Nguyen | TEDxYouth@GMIS

Parasocial interactions are psychological relationships experienced by a viewer with performers online ( Instagram, YouTube, etc.) Viewers or listeners consider these social media personalities as their friends and act as they know them on a personal level despite only having limited interactions with them. With the rise of social media figures and especially during tough times like the pandemic, many young people turn to these personalities in order to find comfort. However, an emotional dependency on these people may result in the viewers becoming delusional with their fantasies. They start to think that they have control over these strangers’ lives— commenting on their relationship choices and thinking that they are entitled to know everything about the creator because they are self-proclaimed ‘friends’. And once they realize that their idols are not what they made them out to be in their heads, they often feel betrayed and lash out. This is an unhealthy mindset that unfortunately many young people with low self-esteem or loneliness problems fall into. As a young person myself, I’ve fallen into this relationship and have seen many examples of people like me online falling into them as well. The influences have a monetary incentive to not raise this issue to their fans so I’m motivated to talk about it to my demographic. In this modern day and age, the chance to be heard— the ability to share our worldview and experiences has become more accessible and I believe that its how we are going to become a more united world. I enjoy the arts, writing, drawing, music— any creative forms of expression because it is truly unique and our own— our perception of the world is completely unique to us and sharing it helps us become more educated and connected, even to people we will never meet. I believe that this connection we form through communication is the most powerful thing in the world and to be able to help unify people is one of the most important jobs in the world. Understanding the power of human connections explains the very crux of the society we live in, and I believe that by doing my own part and sharing my own views is my little way to contribute to the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx