<p>Parasocial relationships (PSR) with social media influencers (SMI) are intimate, close and (partially) reciprocal and might, therefore, be related to feelings of loneliness. This study aimed to test the association between PSR with SMI and perceived loneliness and the mediating role of real friendships in this. To capture the current social interactivity of PSR with SMI, we used an extended PSR scale including items on direct interactions, such as liking and commenting. A total of 244 (<i>N</i> = 244) young adults (<i>M</i>_<i>age</i>= 22 years old; <i>SD</i> = 1.80) filled out an online cross-sectional questionnaire on their feelings of loneliness, favorite SMI, what kind of relationship they have with him/her, the number of good friends they have in real life and their friendship quality. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was performed in Mplus, in which we tested the mediating role of the friendship variables in the association between PSR and perceived loneliness. The results indicate that PSR is positively associated with perceived loneliness, and this association can be partially accounted for by having fewer good friendships, possibly due to the time spent on PSR. The implications for marketers and practitioners are discussed.</p>