Cognitive and Imagery Attributes of Parasocial Relationships

Abstract

In today’s rapidly changing “TV everywhere” environment of ubiquitous and always-connected screens, and instant social media interaction around and with complex and compelling television storylines and characters, perhaps it is time to take another look at media effects from a more social perspective. In this study, we provide that social perspective by examining imagined interactions, parasocial interactions (PSIs), and parasocial relationships (PSRs) as manifestations of intrapersonal communication. In the past decade, parasocial phenomena have become a hot topic in entertainment studies; yet, few researchers have worked to establish a strong theoretical foundation for this phenomenon. This study provides significant contributions to the literature by exploring and describing the attributes of imaginative processes revolving around parasocial contact with mediated personae. Specifically, we borrow from imagined interaction theory and identify the most salient relationships among attributes of the PSRs and PSIs with television personae that take place in our imaginations. We also isolate the attributes of PSRs with the greatest power to predict the frequency with which one imagines interacting with a television persona: retroactivity and variety.