Parasocial Communication

Parasocial communication refers to mediated communication that audiences experience with characters on a television, film, or web program. That experience has been described also as parasocial interaction—the impression of face-to-face contact or even interpersonal exchange with the characters or personalities (or personae) they view. Such parasocial communication from persona to audience is one-sided, since the performer cannot hear or see the viewing audience member. This entry introduces the concept of parasocial communication, paying specific attention to current and future research directions in the field.

Defining Parasocial Communication

Parasocial communication leads to a variety of parasocial responses in the same way that interpersonal communication leads to a variety of interpersonal responses. People may want to get to know a character better or may want to spend more time ...

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