<h1>Am I the only one who feels like an influencer understands me better than my friends?</h1>

It's a common experience to feel a strong connection to creators you follow online. Influencers often share curated aspects of their lives, interests, and struggles that can deeply align with your own, sometimes more directly than your everyday interactions with friends. This sense of understanding can come from shared niche interests or the perception of unfiltered honesty they project.

Research from the University of London suggests that over 40% of young adults report feeling a strong emotional connection to at least one online content creator.

See other perspectives

Does everyone feel like an influencer understands them better than friends?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel like an influencer understands you better than your friends?

Is It Normal?

<h1>Is it weird to feel like an influencer understands you better than friends?</h1>

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel like an influencer understands me better than my friends?

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 online personalities?▾
Many online personalities excel at creating a sense of intimacy and relatability. They might share personal stories, vulnerabilities, or niche interests that directly mirror your own experiences, fostering a strong, perceived connection even without direct interaction.
Is it normal to feel closer to a creator than real-life friends?▾
Yes, it's quite common. The curated content and consistent presence of creators can offer a sense of reliable companionship or understanding that might feel absent in some real-life friendships, especially if those friendships lack shared specific interests.
What is a parasocial relationship with an influencer?▾
A parasocial relationship is a one-sided connection where one person invests emotional energy, time, and attention in another person, who is typically a media figure or celebrity, without the other party being aware of the admirer's existence. It feels like a friendship, but it lacks mutuality.

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