When we discussed Para-Social relationships in class I had a general understanding. I could create a handful of examples of things like Bar Rescue that fit into the mold that was created in class and my fabric of understanding was clear.As I sat back and began to think of each blog post, I thought about how I would approach them. This one was one that came to me all of a sudden.
I recently was afforded the chance as a gift from my girlfriend to go a concert featuring one of my favorite YouTube music groups, Pentatonix. On the car ride over I began to think about what songs they would sing, what covers, and what other things they would give to the fans attending the concert.
This brought up Para-Social relationships. I was a little entertained that I was this blind sided by this event to not begin to think about this. I refer to the members by their name. Avi has the "rocking" bass and I often discuss with my roommate (who also listens) and my girlfriend how awesome Avi's voice is.
Para-Social relationships are interesting to comprehend. I often overlook the ones I have, but I feel para-social relationships give us a feeling of self-worth. Social media (namely Twitter) allows us a platform to (attempt) to interaction with our relationships. Tweeting to someone like Ryan Gosling can make you feel connected to him. Browsing and seeing photos of Michel J. Fox on his Twitter account makes you feel a connection to him because you know where he's gone.
Para-Social relationships are fueled by the false interactions that we gain from use of social media pages that attract people towards living behind their LED lit screens. We follow celebrities and our favorite music artists close enough we can feel comfortable to call them by their first names. Understanding that these relationships (I feel) are normal and healthy enough to a point is the best way to complete your understanding of what Para-Social relationships are.
Now excuse me as I go back to listening to some PTX.
-Brian
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