| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Word of the Year 2025 | "Parasocial" chosen by Cambridge Dictionary |
| Definition | One-way emotional bond with a figure (celebrity, influencer, AI) unaware of the admirer. |
| Origin | Coined in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl. |
| Modern Context | Expanded to include AI chatbots, virtual companions, and digital personas. |
| Reason for Selection | Surge in searches due to celebrity incidents, influencer controversies, AI relationships. |
| Examples | Fans mourning distant celebrities; users confiding in AI; influencer-follower tensions. |
| Positive Effects | Emotional comfort, role models, inspiration, identity exploration. |
| Risks | Replacement of real relationships, dependency, unrealistic expectations. |
| Related Fields | Psychology, digital culture, media studies, mental health research. |
| Dictionary Updates | Over 6,000 new words added to Cambridge Dictionary in 2025. |
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