Parasocial Takes Center Stage in 2025
Cambridge Dictionary has officially crowned “parasocial” as the Word of the Year for 2025. This term describes those one-sided relationships people develop with celebrities, influencers, or even fictional characters. Think about that YouTuber you swear is your best friend, but who, let’s face it, wouldn’t know you from Adam.
Why Parasocial Matters in Today’s Digital Age
As social media continues to blur the lines between real life and online personas, more people are engaging in parasocial relationships than ever before. The word saw a huge spike in searches and usage, especially as fans interact with content creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
It’s hilarious and a little sad — millions feel deeply connected to people they’ve never met, all because of a well-edited vlog or a witty tweet. Maybe it’s time to call your real friends too? Or at least remember that your favorite streamer probably doesn’t know your birthday.