Over the summer, pop artist Chappell Roan sparked a conversation about celebrity-fan dynamics by asserting that she didn’t “owe fans anything” in her personal time. Her comments shed light on the nature of parasocial relationships—one-sided emotional connections between fans and public figures.

While often harmless, these relationships can blur boundaries, leading to unrealistic expectations and emotional dependency. As digital media continues to shape how we engage with public figures, it’s worth examining the effects of parasocial bonds—and how to maintain healthy perspectives on them.

What are parasocial relationships?

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided psychological attachment in which a fan feels a personal connection to a public figure—whether a musician, actor, influencer, or even a faith leader. This bond forms despite the celebrity having no personal awareness of the individual fan.

Some public figures reinforce these relationships by using language that fosters a sense of familiarity, referring to fans as “friends” or “family.” While this can build loyalty, it also creates an illusion of closeness that doesn’t exist in reality.

For celebrities, the unintended consequences of these relationships can include boundary violations and a sense of isolation. When fans assume a level of personal access that isn’t real, public figures may struggle to maintain their privacy and authentic relationships.

The risks of parasocial attachment

Though parasocial relationships are common and often harmless, they can become unhealthy when they:

• Cause fans to believe they are personally known by someone they’ve never met.
• Lead to unrealistic emotional dependence on a celebrity’s opinions, lifestyle, or validation.
• Encourage boundary-crossing behavior, making public figures feel uncomfortable or even unsafe.

For public figures, the stress of constant scrutiny and expectations can take a toll on mental health. Some struggle with feelings of inauthenticity and distrust, questioning whether even their real relationships are based on genuine connection or persona-driven admiration.

Parasocial relationships in faith communities

This phenomenon isn’t limited to mainstream celebrities. In faith-based circles, well-known priests, pastors, scholars, and influencers can also become the focus of parasocial attachment.

People often turn to faith leaders for guidance, especially when they lack strong personal faith communities. While it’s good to be inspired by religious figures, there’s a risk of over-relying on their public teachings rather than seeking wisdom from personal spiritual mentors.

A priest or pastor with an online platform cannot offer individualized spiritual direction in the way a real-life mentor or confessor can. If we place too much authority on distant figures, we risk neglecting relationships with those who truly know and care for us.

Evaluating your own parasocial relationships

To maintain a healthy perspective, consider reflecting on the following questions:

• Do you feel “known” by a public figure who has never met you?
• Do you accept their words or actions as inherently true without question?
• Are these relationships overshadowing real-life connections with people who truly know and love you?

If the answer is yes, it may be time to reevaluate your attachments and refocus on relationships that offer true reciprocity and personal connection.

Key takeaways

The main message:

Parasocial relationships can create false intimacy between fans and public figures. While admiration is natural, it’s important to maintain healthy boundaries and prioritize real-life relationships over one-sided emotional attachments.

Action items:

• Be mindful of emotional investment in celebrities or faith figures who don’t personally know you.
• Seek real relationships with mentors, friends, and community members who can engage with you personally.
• Use media consumption wisely, remembering that public figures are not substitutes for personal guidance.