There is nothing really new about parasocial relationships as the concept, in modern perusal, has existed ever since the first newspaper published its first juicy piece featuring a celebrity. However, with the growth of social media and – specifically – live video streaming services like Twitch, parasocial interactions have become an increasing concern for streamers and viewers alike, causing them to think about the possible ramifications of such relationships for one’s mental health and overall well-being.
StreamSkill experts have prepared a post that explores the phenomenon of parasocial relationships on Twitch and provides tips on how best to end such an unhealthy one-sided psychological dependence.
What Are Parasocial Relationships?
Parasocial relationships on Twitch are a long-term one-way connection between a viewer and a media persona, which starts to develop during the consumption of the content provided by the streamer and extends beyond the initial media exposure. In other words, it is a form of fan-celebrity interaction, where the focus of the media user’s attention shifts from the celebrity’s work to their daily life.
The mechanism behind parasocial relationships is well-understood by now. Since the time of primitive tribes, people have tended to be drawn to a single leader who could set a role model for them and accomplish tasks others did not dare to take on. In tribal society, parasocial relationships were a two-way street as members of such communities could meet their chosen hero and form a personal bond with them. With the advent of TV, public personas were given a chance to simultaneously entertain larger audiences of users, which inevitably led to there being formed a gap between the performer and the viewer.
Social media platforms like Twitch have bridged that gap, bringing the streamer intimately close to their viewer. Most top Twitch streamers can spend up to 12 hours live on our screens, exposing certain aspects of their private lives to viewers, so it is only natural that social creatures that we are, we cannot help but feel connected to the person we spend so much time with.
Why Do Media Users Get Attached to Streamers?
The need for company is one of the most basic human needs that a person tries to fulfill in a variety of ways. Some just go out there and find themselves a real-life friend or two; others, however, have a harder time establishing authentic relationships with people. Fearing rejection and judgment, they prefer to seek human contact via social media, and Twitch has become an ideal place to do so.
The platform enables them to experience what it is like to have a friend but also eliminates the risk of having their feelings hurt. Twitch allows such users to enter a psychologically very comfortable relationship with a gripping media personality. It is a perfect kind of relationship where they get the sense of belonging without the need to give much or anything back, to invest in the connection to keep it going.
Why Are Parasocial Relationships Unhealthy?
While not necessarily destructive, parasocial relationships on Twitch sometimes tend to get out of hand and cross certain boundaries that should never be crossed. It is not unheard of for such relationships to become toxic and bad for the user’s mental health. Even though they can help decrease loneliness and fill the void in social interaction, a parasocial relationship gone wrong can have devastating consequences, manifesting themselves in stalking, aggressive behaviors towards streamers and their family members, severed social contacts with the outer world, etc.
Test Yourself: See If You Are in a Parasocial Relationship with a Streamer
Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether your relationship with Twitch content creator is parasocial and unhealthy:
How to Discontinue a Parasocial Relationship on Twitch?
If you have been abusing Twitch to the point where a parasocial relationship is formed, the first step towards healing is acknowledging you have a problem. Recognizing you are in for one hell of a fight against a powerful enemy called obsession will make you better equipped to win it.
Breaking away from a parasocial relationship on Twitch can be less painful if the viewer focuses on things like self-compassion, self-care, and finding other social supports instead of letting the feelings of anger, disappointment, and frustration get the upper hand.
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