The Cambridge Dictionary has named “parasocial” as its Word of the Year for 2025. This reflects a growing public interest in one-sided emotional bonds that people form with celebrities, influencers, and even artificial intelligence systems. The term shows how digital behaviour and online relationships are evolving across social media and virtual platforms.
Parasocial Connections with Celebrities, Influencers & AI: Key Current Affairs 2025
Meaning and Origins
- Parasocial refers to a one-sided connection someone feels toward a public figure or online entity they have never met.
- The term was first coined in 1956 by American sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl.
- Originally, it described viewers’ perceived closeness with television personalities, but now it includes connections with online creators, social media influencers, and AI virtual agents.
Why It Was Chosen
- The term saw a significant rise in searches in 2025.
- Events involving celebrities and social media influencers increased public curiosity about parasocial relationships.
- The dictionary updated the term’s definition to include bonds formed with AI chatbots and virtual companions.
Contemporary Relevance
- Parasocial connections show how people identify strongly with figures online, creating an illusion of intimacy.
- Users sometimes develop strong emotional investment in AI tools, treating them as confidants or companions.
- Understanding parasocial relationships is increasingly important in discussions about mental health, online behaviour, and digital culture.
Exam-Oriented Key Facts
- Year coined: 1956 by Horton and Wohl
- Meaning: One-way emotional connection with a celebrity, influencer, or AI
- Cambridge Dictionary Word of the Year: 2025
- Number of new words added to dictionary in 2025: Over 6,000
- Relevance: Explains online behaviour, digital relationships, and psychological bonds
Question & Answer
Q1. Which word did Cambridge Dictionary select as Word of the Year in 2025?
(a) Metaverse
(b) Parasocial
(c) Influencer
(d) Chatbot
Answer: Parasocial
Q2. In which year was the term “parasocial” coined?
(a) 1945
(b) 1956
(c) 1965
(d) 1972
Answer: 1956
Q3. Who coined the term “parasocial”?
(a) Sigmund Freud & Carl Jung
(b) Donald Horton & Richard Wohl
(c) B.F. Skinner & John Watson
(d) Noam Chomsky & Steven Pinker
Answer: Donald Horton & Richard Wohl
Q4. Parasocial relationships are primarily:
(a) Two-way emotional connections
(b) One-sided emotional connections
(c) Only with AI systems
(d) Only harmful
Answer: One-sided emotional connections
Q5. Which of the following is a modern example of parasocial relationships?
(a) Friendship with a classmate
(b) Following a celebrity on social media
(c) Family gatherings
(d) Workplace collaboration
Answer: Following a celebrity on social media
Q6. Why is understanding parasocial relationships important today?
(a) To monitor weather changes
(b) To study online behaviour and mental health
(c) To improve physical fitness
(d) To track global politics
Answer: To study online behaviour and mental health
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