The Cambridge Dictionary officially declared "parasocial" as its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting how people now make connections in the digital world. The dictionary says parasocial is a one‑sided emotional connection directed at a celebrity or digital personality that doesn't involve any actual interaction.
In other words, you might feel close to a celebrity, a fictional character, or an AI assistant-even though they don't know you exist. Colin McIntosh from Cambridge says the term "captures the 2025 zeitgeist," with searches for the word spiking sharply this year.
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How one-sided connections moved from TV to your feed
As per a report by the New Indian Express, while the term was first coined back in the 1950s, parasocial relationships no longer remain within the bounds of television. Nowadays, celebrities are followed through social media posts, YouTube videos, live streams, and many other digital platforms by fans to experience an almost realistic closeness with them.
According to Simone Schnall, a psychologist at the University of Cambridge, these bonds may be emotionally intense, with trust and loyalty given to individuals who cannot offer such in return in real life.
The Swift fandom link
Some recent happenings really show just how much parasocial relationships affect people. When Taylor Swift became engaged to Travis Kelce, the reactions ran deep, with many acting as though they were part of her story. Similarly, Lily Allen’s breakup album drew her fans into an intense emotional experience of analysing her lyrics and feelings as though they mirrored their lives.
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AI and the new frontier of connection
Parasocial interactions aren't limited to celebrities. With the rise of AI chatbots, some users now create one-sided attachments with virtual assistants, treating them like companions or friends. While these interactions can be comforting, they remain inherently unbalanced, a gap between admiration and true emotional reciprocity.
As per the report, as parasocial bonds continue to shape emotional life in the digital age, Cambridge Dictionary's choice signals a shift in how we relate to the people - and even AI - around us. It's a reminder that modern connections can feel real, even when they are fundamentally one‑sided.
