Cambridge Dictionary Announces ‘Parasocial’ as 2024 Word of the Year
The Cambridge Dictionary has officially crowned ‘parasocial’ as its word of the year. If you find yourself feeling close to celebrities like Taylor Swift or Lily Allen, even though you’ve never actually met them, congratulations—you’re living in the age of parasocial relationships.
What Does ‘Parasocial’ Even Mean?
A parasocial relationship is a one-sided bond where a fan feels emotionally connected to a public figure, such as a pop star, influencer, or even a fictional character. Thanks to social media, these connections have never been more intense—or more common. In many cases, people know more about their favorite celebrity’s breakfast habits than their own neighbor’s name. That’s modern friendship for you!
This year, the Cambridge Dictionary noticed a huge uptick in searches for ‘parasocial.’ Maybe we all just needed to finally put a name to the one-sided love affairs we have with our screens. It’s a little funny, a little sad, and a whole lot relatable. After all, who among us hasn’t celebrated a celebrity’s birthday like it’s our own best friend’s?
Why Does This Matter?
The rise of parasocial relationships says a lot about our digital lives and how we connect with the world. While it’s fun to imagine being Taylor Swift’s BFF, it’s also a reminder to nurture real-world connections. Or at least call your mom back!
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