Want to become a fan of a musical artist? It seems that these days, all you have to do is live and die for them.
Okay, it’s not that dramatic. But lately, it seems that every fanbase has a certain parasocial element to it. Parasocial fans translate love for the art that is created into love for the artist themself and think that they know every facet and detail of their thought processes, intentions and experiences. Because their art evokes certain feelings, fans presume they have a certain closeness with the artist they adore. The result is that often fans excuse bad behavior from artists, defending their favorite artist from any and all criticism even if their actions are harmful or illegal.
Instead of just enjoying the art that is produced, people become so invested in the lives of artists that they act like their personal defenders. Earlier this week, clips from Kanye West’s new documentary, “In Whose Name?,” surfaced on social media sites. While lauded as a musical and stylistic genius by fans, West has been openly struggling with bipolar disorder without the use of medication since 2016. In the documentary clips, West can be seen screaming at his former mother-in-law, Kris Jenner, and telling her that he would “rather be dead than on medication.” The documentary comes after West made antisemitic comments in 2022, ending his partnerships with Adidas and Balenciaga. Rather than seeing West’s behavior for what it is – a result of his declining mental health – his fans have continuously enabled this behavior, rationalizing that since they consider him to be the greatest artist of all time and that he can do no wrong.
Parasocial relationships aren’t just about enabling transgressive behavior. When Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce became engaged in August, they chose to share that milestone with their many fans on Instagram. The result was millions of strangers congratulating them on social media. Swift has openly shared her struggles with relationships in her music, and now that she has found “the one”, millions of fans are sharing the joy with her. Maybe it’s inspirational — maybe Swift’s own story is proof to fans that even with trials and tribulations, finding love is still possible. But it’s also true that through following her career, some fans have come to think of Swift as a friend and want to celebrate her engagement like one.
So, what is behind the increase in parasocial relationships? According to the National Library of Medicine, the rise can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. With people across the world being restricted from physical contact and real-life social interactions, many learned to have meaningful interactions on social media. This has bled into interactions with musical artists, amongst other celebrities. Even five years after the pandemic, parasocial relationships persist and result in social isolation, loneliness and negative influences from problematic public figures such as West.
But why do they persist? Does a lack of reciprocity in relationships persist today, making it much easier to form relationships with strangers online? Is society in general so lonely that it must make up for it with unfulfilling, one-sided interactions?
The solution is unclear. While psychologists can spout tips and tricks, such as forming boundaries with social media use, further cultivating relationships with real figures in one’s life and engaging in community activities and events, ultimately it is up to the individual to solve their own parasocial tendencies. In the advent of relatable influencers and artists that seem emotionally available, it is a feat that is becoming increasingly difficult.
Ultimately, fans need to look inwards and reflect on why they have formed parasocial relationships in the first place, which could culminate in seeking professional help. We should remember that in the end, it is the art we know and love so deeply, not the artist themselves.