Parasocial relationships are two-way. The influencer sells the fantasy; their fans buy it. It's like in K-pop where every 30-year-old man SWEARS on his life that he's "dating his fans" and regularly livestreams himself eating noodles at midnight, asking fans how they're doing in school and if they miss him. His fans are at fault too, but don't act like he's innocent and guilt-free for perpetuating this fantasy.

by kierawuckert 2 months ago

Maybe it's a good thing you're unaware, but in K-pop, it's not "this person," the whole industry is built on parasocial relationships. Every K-pop star builds a parasocial following with their fans. Yeah it's disturbing but it's a multi-billion dollar industry. And the stars themselves are at fault.

by kierawuckert 2 months ago