I've Got 99 Friends, But Is Taylor Swift One? An Examination of Effects of Social Media Interactions on Parasocial Relationships
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Parasocial relationships (PSRs), or perceived relationships with media personae, was examined in light of degree of social media feedback from a celebrity, as well as perceived authenticity of celebrity self-presentation.Additionally, identification with a celebrity was compared to relationships between parasocial relationships to both social media use and authenticity of celebrity self-presentation.College student and social media participants (N= 234) completed an online survey in which they responded to demographic questions prior to answering questions to identify parasocial relationship strength, identification, authenticity of celebrity self-presentation, social media use, and degree of social media feedback received from a celebrity.Parasocial relationship strength was found to have no significant relationship with gender.Parasocial strength was, however, found to have a significant relationship with both authenticity of celebrity self-presentation and degree of social media feedback.Finally, identification with a celebrity was found to be a partial mediator of the relationships between social media use and PSR, as well as authenticity of celebrity self-presentation and PSR.Implications of study are discussed, as well as future research recommendations.
Author: Dobias, Amanda
Language: English
Topic: Media Influence and Health
Subfield: Communication
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2650045764