Parasocial Relationships

Parasocial Relationships

A.
A parasocial relationship develops when a viewer gets involved with a media character,
affecting their entertainment fare, entertainment effects, and enjoyment experiences during
exposure (Klimmt & Vorderer, 2009). Rachel Green is one of the characters with whom I
developed a parasocial relationship. She is a fictional character in Friends, an American sitcom.
She made her first appearance in the sitcom in 1994 and her last appearance in 2004. I have
watched the sitcom many times since its last series was produced.
From the first episode to the last one, I greatly admire Rachel Green. Viewer’s
relationship with a media character can be characterized with admiration (Klimmt & Vorderer,
2009). I am in awe of how she evolves throughout the season. At first, she is a spoilt and
inexperienced young girl. She, however, evolves into a successful businesswoman. She gets
involved in several relationships in the sitcom and has a daughter. I find this character
compelling because she transforms a lot. She does not allow challenges or setbacks to deter her
from achieving what she wants. I find her assertive in both her romantic and unromantic
relationships. This is something that sometimes puts her into trouble, but she still sticks to what
she wants, and I find this very attractive.
B.
Rachel is a fictional character portrayed by Jennifer Aniston. Aniston’s character as
Rachel made me like her even outside the comedy. As a result, I have watched all the shows and
moves that she has been on because I just find them appealing. Research shows that parasocial
relationships occur beyond the exposure situation (Siegenthaler et al., 2021, p. 5). Aniston’s

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character as Rachel has left a mark. For example, I have even found myself watching The
Morning Show because Aniston has been cast as Alex Levy. She has had an influence on me
beyond the aspect of entertainment. Other than watching the shows she has been cast; I also
admire her view on living a healthy lifestyle. She has largely influenced my lifestyle because I
admire this aspect of her. According to Siegenthaler et al. (2021), it is possible for members of
the audience to connect strongly with a media character and engage in behavior that they see the
character performing (5). This is one way through which a bond is created between the viewer
and the character.
 C.
I have developed an emotional attachment with Aniston through the parasocial
relationship. It is possible for members of the audience to develop cognitive and emotional
bodies with media characters (Moyer-Gusé, 2008, p. 410). Remarkably parasocial relationships
are experienced one-sidedly by the viewer. Based on this, I have found myself disappointed by
Aniston. For instance, I had watched an interview where she mentioned that she might not be
returning for season three of The Morning Show. I was very disappointed. I primarily watched
the show because she had been cast in it. Without her in it then, I cannot watch it. News that she
could be leaving made me feel hurt. After understanding the nature of parasocial relationships, I
now understand why I felt the way I did. I have developed an emotional attachment with her
character, and I find shows interesting if she is in them.

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References

Klimmt, C., & Vorderer, P. (2009). Media entertainment. The handbook of communication
science, 345-361.
Moyer-Gusé, E. (2008). Toward a theory of entertainment persuasion: Explaining the persuasive
effects of entertainment-education messages. Communication theory, 18(3), 407-425.
Siegenthaler, P., Aegerter, T., & Fahr, A. (2021). A longitudinal study on the effects of
parasocial relationships and breakups with characters of a health-related TV show on
self-efficacy and exercise behavior: The case of the biggest loser. Communication &
Sport, 21674795211045039.