9mo ago

Interesting read on parasocial relationships

amp.theguardian.com Too close for comfort: the pitfalls of parasocial relationships | Social media | The Guardian

Social media means adoring fans can keep up with the ins and outs of their favourite celebrities. But for those in the public eye, a dedicated fanbase isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be – especially for women

A couple of us were talking about the manipulation tactic of oversharing the other day. This piece is a couple of years old but what I find interesting is their awareness of the tendency for their position to create parasocial relationships, and how to tread the line. There’s a basic human decency there that doesn’t exist for TBP.

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Thanks for sharing the article. I had never thought about people getting attached to podcasters but it made sense when I was reading it. That fact also lead me to think about just how calculating the Influencers and their management are when it comes to reeling in their followers. Just look at the Shine Crew. SNL’s audience grew at an, unbelievable, rate during the pandemic and then she launches a podcast just to seal the deal. So many of her podcasts are filled with over-sharing or she and Shane get on there to talk about their relationship. Things people don’t need to know but she wants you to think you’re her BFF. The psychologist has multiple podcasts and now Ariana Joy has one so her followers buy more of the stuff she’s selling
- Totally. And neither had I but you’re right, podcasting actually lends really well to it. Oversharing is a classic from the manipulators handbook but it’s infuriating to see the degree to which influencers are monetizing it. So gross.