Real or Not Real? Understanding Parasocial Relationships with Social Media Influencers in the Philippines

Have you ever felt a deep connection with someone you’ve never met in person? Someone whose life you follow online? Welcome to the world of parasocial relationships with social media influencers in the Philippines! These connections can feel incredibly real, but are they? Let’s dive in! The journey with parasocial relationships often begins when ordinary people start using platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share their lives and monetize their passions. In the 2010s, many followed beauty bloggers like Jenn Im, Estee Lalonde, and Michelle Phan. Their content was relatable and useful, making them feel like friends. Over the years, audiences bought products they recommended, read their books, and supported their brands. The shock felt when Estee announced her breakup in 2018 was immense. Similarly, Jenn Im’s divorce earlier this year left many feeling blindsided. Their seemingly perfect relationships had contributed to positive impressions of their brands. The sudden and unexplained breakups made followers feel emotionally and financially betrayed, much like when a favorite TV show ends abruptly without closure. An educated mother of two and a business owner, for example, might wonder if these feelings were unique. A quick search on Google, TikTok, or Reddit would reveal that hundreds, if not thousands, of people felt the same way. These feelings were validated by the sheer volume of similar experiences shared online. What Are Parasocial Relationships? So, what exactly are parasocial relationships? These are one-sided relationships where one party is deeply invested in another who is completely unaware of their existence. According to Dictionary.com, a parasocial relationship is “a relationship that a person imagines having with another person whom they do not actually know, such as a celebrity or a fictional character.” This imbalance of power is a fundamental issue. Influencers earn money from their audiences, who consume their content and often make purchases based on carefully crafted narratives. However, audiences only see what influencers choose to share, leading to incomplete information and a higher risk of manipulation. Another issue is what modern philosophers call “manufactured authenticity.” Unlike traditional celebrities, internet influencers present themselves as one of their fans. They share personal stories, mistakes, and life lessons to build trust and gain followers. This perceived authenticity can lead to a strong emotional connection between influencers and their audiences. When influencers’ lives take unexpected turns, like sudden breakups, the trust and connection built with their audience can crumble. Fans feel out of the loop and question their understanding of the influencer. Unlike real-life relationships, there are no resolutions in parasocial relationships. Fans are expected to move on and respect the influencers’ privacy. The Influencers’ Perspective From the influencers’ side, there are also significant challenges. Unlike traditional celebrities who maintain a layer of separation from their fans, successful influencers are approachable and accessible. This strategy has even been adopted by traditional celebrities in recent years. However, this approach leads to a loss of privacy. Influencers often cope by taking breaks from social media or by keeping certain aspects of their lives private. Despite these efforts, they must share parts of their lives to maintain their online presence and earn a living. Moreover, influencers face intense scrutiny and criticism. The vast amount of personal information they share online makes them targets for speculation, judgment, and sometimes outright lies. This can lead to severe mental health issues, as seen in the cases of Estee and Jenn Im, who faced significant backlash and personal attacks after their breakups. Reflecting on Social Media Use This whole discussion prompts reflection on social media usage and the personas everyone creates online. In the age of TikTok and Instagram, everyone can experience a moment of fame. People present their best selves online, often curating their lives to look perfect. If ever meeting someone in real life who is vastly different from their online persona, the dissonance becomes apparent. Everyone engages in semi-parasocial relationships with their online selves. Being aware of this can help stay grounded and connected to real lives. So, the next time comparisons arise between your life and others online, ask: “Is it better to keep doomscrolling, or to go outside and enjoy the real world?” Most of the time, the right answer is to go outside and live life. Only you can live it. Final PopStar Tip In a world dominated by social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the lives of social media influencers in the Philippines. These parasocial relationships can feel incredibly real, but they are ultimately one-sided. Understanding this can help navigate online interactions more mindfully. Remember, your life is unique and valuable. Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help Influencer Marketing Strategy here in the Philippines.