If I may be so bold, I think what you might be bristled by (because I share these feelings) is the notion of “parasocial relationships.” I learned that term pretty recently and it helped me put a label on some of the things I observe and feel in and about the social networking world.
I have had really nice “personal” interactions on Reddit, but I don’t know those individuals, who they are, what they like, or even their names. On Twitter and Instagram and TikTok it’s all about creating a personal “brand” and people following that identity. That’s parasocial. You still don’t know them, but you kind of think you do.
If I may be so bold, I think what you might be bristled by (because I share these feelings) is the notion of “parasocial relationships.” I learned that term pretty recently and it helped me put a label on some of the things I observe and feel in and about the social networking world.
I have had really nice “personal” interactions on Reddit, but I don’t know those individuals, who they are, what they like, or even their names. On Twitter and Instagram and TikTok it’s all about creating a personal “brand” and people following that identity. That’s parasocial. You still don’t know them, but you kind of think you do.
I think I prefer the former.
Thanks for this, I think you nailed it.