In defense of parasocial relationships

Plus more health news | Email not displaying correctly? [View it in your browser.]( [Health Matters]( [In defense of parasocial relationships]( By Angela Haupt Editor, Health and Wellness If you've traveled to any depths of the internet this year, you've probably picked up on the growing rumble around parasocial relationships. The term—which refers to one-sided social and emotional connections developed with fictional characters or celebrities—has increasingly been used to describe a small but vocal group of poorly behaved fans. As a lifelong fangirl who's juggled numerous parasocial relationships, I suspected this take lacked nuance. When I reached out to a few psychologists who have spent decades studying these attachments, I learned that their research reveals parasocial relationships are good for the majority of people who engage in them. Some studies, for example, suggest parasocial bonds can boost confidence while helping people form an identity and become closer to their ideal self. One of the biggest benefits I've experienced is a sense of community: I've made dozens of friends while camped out in line to see my favorite musicians perform, as well as in social-media fan groups. So what about the celebrities on the other side? Clinical psychologist Lynn Zubernis collaborated on a book with Supernatural actors about how the TV show changed lives. She was surprised at the emotional benefits the cast described: "They talked about feeling this unusual sense of support that allowed them to take chances and do things they wouldn’t have otherwise done,” she told me. [READ MORE]( Share This Story What Else to Read [There’s Now a Rapid, Accurate COVID-19 Air Detector]( By Alice Park Knowing where the virus is lurking in real time could reduce the spread of disease. [Read More »]( [The First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Gets Official Approval]( By MATTHEW PERRONE / AP The FDA announced that Perrigo’s once-a-day contraceptive Opill can now be purchased over-the-counter, without a prescription. [Read More »]( [Heat Stroke Isn’t Just a Short-Term Danger]( By Haley Weiss With extreme temperatures increasing, researchers are investigating the long-term health risks of heat stroke. [Read More »]( [What to Know About Orienteering, the ‘Thinking Sport’]( By Angela Haupt Orienteering combines exercise with navigating through unfamiliar terrain, which benefits brain health. [Read More »]( [The Mysteries and Underdiagnosis of SIBO]( By Meaghan Beatley Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. [Read More »]( ONE MORE READ FROM ELSEWHERE [Another consequence of restrictive abortion laws]( Large research institutions are among those suffering as a result of new abortion restrictions in some states. Science’s Katie Langin talked to university administrators in states including Texas and Alabama, who said they've seen an uptick in resignations and hiring obstacles as a result of new statutes. This could pose long-term challenges to diversity and progress in academia. [Read More »]( If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, [click here](. Today's newsletter was written by Angela Haupt and Haley Weiss, and edited by Angela Haupt and Elijah Wolfson. [Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.]( [Subscribe to TIME]( TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via [Facebook]( | [Twitter]( | [Newsletters]( [UNSUBSCRIBE]( [PRIVACY POLICY]( [YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS]( TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508 Questions? Contact health@time.com Copyright © 2023 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved.