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Background <p>Relationships with influencers and AI-based systems are increasingly shaping everyday experiences and relational spaces. These mediated forms of social interaction are referred to as parasocial interactions.</p> Objective <p>This article delineates the mechanisms of change and core functions of parasocial relationships in digital spheres. It asks about novel aspects of their contemporary forms, what risks they may pose to interpersonal intimacy and which therapeutic implications emerge from these developments.</p> Material and methods <p>The article systematizes current empirical findings on the mechanisms and effects of parasociality and analyzes the dynamics and functions across social media platforms and AI-based interaction contexts.</p> Results <p>Parasociality is characterized by emotional engagement, interactivity and the perception of authenticity, competence and personalized relational connection. Research findings suggest that parasocial relationships serve both complementary and substitutive functions across four key relational domains: (1)&#xa0;self-disclosure, (2)&#xa0;the pursuit of belonging and acceptance, (3)&#xa0;emotional regulation and coping and (4)&#xa0;identity work and developmental processes.</p> Conclusion <p>In psychotherapeutic contexts, a&#xa0;nuanced perspective is warranted: parasocial relationships can serve as a&#xa0;diagnostic entry point and be productive, yet they may also give rise to dysfunctional patterns, including emotional dependency, avoidance of real-life relationships and anthropomorphic attributions. Clinicians should reflectively engage with patients, exploring their modes of use and the functions these relationships serve.</p>

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Parasoziale Beziehungen und ihre Wirkmechanismen

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月16日

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  • Sonja Bröning,
  • Diana Pistoll,
  • Johanna Lisa Degen

摘要

Background

Relationships with influencers and AI-based systems are increasingly shaping everyday experiences and relational spaces. These mediated forms of social interaction are referred to as parasocial interactions.

Objective

This article delineates the mechanisms of change and core functions of parasocial relationships in digital spheres. It asks about novel aspects of their contemporary forms, what risks they may pose to interpersonal intimacy and which therapeutic implications emerge from these developments.

Material and methods

The article systematizes current empirical findings on the mechanisms and effects of parasociality and analyzes the dynamics and functions across social media platforms and AI-based interaction contexts.

Results

Parasociality is characterized by emotional engagement, interactivity and the perception of authenticity, competence and personalized relational connection. Research findings suggest that parasocial relationships serve both complementary and substitutive functions across four key relational domains: (1) self-disclosure, (2) the pursuit of belonging and acceptance, (3) emotional regulation and coping and (4) identity work and developmental processes.

Conclusion

In psychotherapeutic contexts, a nuanced perspective is warranted: parasocial relationships can serve as a diagnostic entry point and be productive, yet they may also give rise to dysfunctional patterns, including emotional dependency, avoidance of real-life relationships and anthropomorphic attributions. Clinicians should reflectively engage with patients, exploring their modes of use and the functions these relationships serve.