The Cambridge Dictionary has selected “parasocial” as its Word of the Year 2025, highlighting the surge in public interest surrounding one-sided emotional bonds people form with celebrities, influencers, fictional characters, and increasingly—AI systems. The choice reflects how digital culture has reshaped emotional behavior in an era dominated by social media and virtual interaction.
Originally coined in 1956 by Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, the term parasocial described viewers’ emotional ties to TV personalities. In 2025, its meaning expanded as individuals began developing deeper connections with AI chatbots, digital companions, and online creators.
Searches for “parasocial” spiked due to celebrity controversies, influencer scandals, and rising discussions on emotional reliance on AI tools. Cambridge Dictionary responded by updating the definition to include virtual agents and artificial intelligence–driven interactions.
Experts note that while parasocial relationships can offer comfort and inspiration, they also carry risks—such as emotional dependency, unrealistic expectations, and replacement of real-life relationships. As over 6,000 new words were added to the dictionary this year, parasocial stands out as a defining reflection of the evolving digital-age human experience.
