The People We Meet

Abstract

A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study reported Americans spend more time watching television than engaging in interpersonal activities. At the same time, television content is increasing in both complexity and quality, and important questions are emerging. With viewers spending increased time with television content through omnipresent screens and always-on mobile devices, and with the content becoming more compelling, are media effects changing? This study takes a fresh look at the deep relationships audiences have with today's complex television characters and the ultimate effects of those relationships by exploring parasocial interactions and relationships from an intrapersonal perspective. In this survey, we found compelling evidence that viewers use parasocial relationships to maintain relationships with television characters, keep conflict alive, undergo catharsis, and develop a better understanding of themselves and their viewpoints.