Am I the only one who feels personally betrayed when an influencer makes a mistake?

It's common to feel a sense of disappointment, or even betrayal, when a public figure you admire, especially an influencer, makes a misstep. The strong connection many people feel with influencers can make their actions feel more significant. This is a natural human reaction to the perceived closeness developed through consistent engagement with their content.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that over 60% of social media users report experiencing a parasocial relationship with at least one influencer or public figure they foll

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Does everyone feel personally betrayed when an influencer makes a mistake?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel personally betrayed when an influencer makes a mistake?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel personally betrayed when an influencer makes a mistake?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel personally betrayed when an influencer makes a mistake?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

So there’s this young woman, she’s a vlogger, a YouTube person, whatever they call it. …

parasocial attachment

I’ve been watching this podcaster, a college student, sort of, who's quite popular, I suppose. …

parasocial attachment

you ever just feel this kind of almost like a pathological protectiveness over something or someone totally unrelated to your actual life kind of thing like I spend hours sometimes late at night… …

parasocial attachment

It’s a peculiar thing, this vicarious living, and I remember the distinct feeling of accomplishment that settled in my chest, a quiet, almost diagnostic satisfaction, as I’d arrange those spice jars… …

parasocial attachment

It’s an objectively stupid thing I do, this whole defending a podcaster thing, but here we are. …

parasocial attachment

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel so connected to influencers I don't know personally?▾
The consistent, often intimate-seeming content shared by influencers fosters a sense of familiarity and closeness, even without direct interaction. This regular exposure can create a perceived one-sided relationship, known as a parasocial relationship.
Is it normal to be upset when an influencer I follow does something wrong?▾
Yes, it is entirely normal. When you invest time and emotional energy into following someone, their actions can impact you. The disappointment stems from a perceived breach of trust or a misalignment with the values you thought they represented.
What is a parasocial relationship and how does it relate to influencers?▾
A parasocial relationship is a one-sided psychological bond experienced by an audience member toward a media figure. With influencers, their direct address and personal sharing styles actively encourage the development of these perceived relationships.

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