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

It's common to feel a deep connection with online personalities, sometimes even more so than with people in your immediate life. This often happens because influencers curate content that directly speaks to specific interests or struggles you share, creating an illusion of intimacy and shared experience. They might articulate feelings or situations you haven't been able to express yourself, making their content feel incredibly personal and relatable.

Research from the University of California, Santa Barbara, suggests that up to 75% of people report experiencing parasocial relationships with media figures at some point in their lives.

See other perspectives

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

Am I the Only One?

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?

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

Is it normal to feel connected to influencers?▾
Yes, it's very common to develop a sense of connection, often called a parasocial relationship, with public figures like influencers. This isn't unusual, as their content is designed to foster relatability and engagement, making viewers feel seen and understood.
Why do I feel lonely despite having friends?▾
Loneliness can stem from various factors, even when surrounded by friends. Sometimes, it's about a perceived lack of deep understanding or shared experiences, which an influencer might appear to provide through their focused content, contrasting with the broader, less specific interactions of everyday friendships.
How do influencers create a sense of connection?▾
Influencers often use techniques like direct address, sharing personal stories, and focusing on niche topics to build a strong sense of community and intimacy with their audience. This curated content can make viewers feel uniquely understood and part of an exclusive group.

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