The Shaping of the Parasocial Self
摘要
The chapter consolidates and integrates the various forms of parasocial interactionparasocial interaction and parasocial relationshipsparasocial relationships discussed throughout the book, framing them as an intertwined and reciprocally accelerated dynamic shaping the parasocial self. The characteristics and meanings of the parasocial self are explained as being formed by the conditions and digitalitydigitality of everyday lifeeveryday life, as well as the subject’s strategiesstrategies for maintaining self-related functions (e.g., identityidentity, needsneeds) and socialitysociality (e.g., orientationorientation, belongingbelonging). The findings are then situated within the context of contemporary challenges and theorizing, particularly relevant to well-beingwell-being and sociality and social organizing, including the state of relationshipsrelationships and intimaciesintimacies, lonelinessloneliness, and individualizationindividualization.