parasocial relationship 

A one-sided emotional attachment that a content consumer develops towards a creator or influencer, often facilitated by the creator's efforts to appear relatable and authentic.

She felt like she really knew him, even though it was just a parasocial relationship—those vlogs made it seem like they were best friends!

parasocial relationship by Emotional Cruiser September 22, 2025

abusive para-social relationship

When you're manipulated by a content creator into thinking they're a good person but then you find out they're like a sex perfect or wife beating psycho, all the while you defended them without realizing they were taking advantage of you. Until they finally get exposed/canceled and your friend finally rescues you from said para-social relationship and you finally stop following them after all these years.

Nate - Man i used to watch Destiny all the time, but ever since the minor sexting and revenge porn I've kinda stopped following.
Kyra - really? you're finally getting out of that abusive para-social relationship?

abusive para-social relationship by NateC123 August 23, 2025