How do parasocial relationships affect one's sense of reality?

Parasocial relationships can distort one's sense of reality, leading to unrealistic expectations and perceptions.

Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships that individuals form with media personalities, such as celebrities, news anchors, or fictional characters. These relationships are often intense and can lead to feelings of intimacy and attachment. However, they are also based on a distorted view of reality, as the individual only knows the persona presented by the media and not the real person.

This distortion of reality can lead to unrealistic expectations, such as expecting the media personality to behave in a certain way or to have a particular personality trait. In extreme cases, individuals may even believe that they have a real relationship with the media personality, leading to delusions and mental health issues.

Additionally, parasocial relationships can affect one's perception of social norms and values. As media personalities often represent cultural ideals and standards, individuals may adopt these as their own without critical analysis or consideration of their own beliefs and values.

Overall, while parasocial relationships can provide a sense of comfort and connection, they can also have negative effects on one's sense of reality and perception of social norms. It is important for individuals to maintain a critical perspective and understand the limitations of these one-sided relationships.