‘Parasocial’ Crowned Cambridge Dictionary Word of 2025!

‘Parasocial’ Crowned Cambridge Dictionary Word of 2025!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Cambridge Dictionary has named “parasocial” as its 2025 Word of the Year, spotlighting the rise of one-sided emotional bonds people form with celebrities and influencers they don’t personally know.

“This word captures a defining aspect of modern digital life,” Cambridge editors noted.

Why It Matters:

• The term reflects increasing fan attachment to public figures like Taylor Swift, K-pop stars, and online creators.
• It highlights how social media blurs the line between connection and illusion.
• Understanding parasocial dynamics is key in conversations on mental health, celebrity culture, and media literacy.

Definition:

Parasocial (adj.): Describing a relationship in which one person knows a great deal about another, but the other does not know them at all—common between fans and celebrities.

What to Watch:

• More research into parasocial relationships and their effects.
• How brands and influencers ethically navigate fan intimacy.
• Integration of the term into school media curricula.

Sources:

1. Cambridge Dictionary – Word of the Year Announcement
2. BBC Culture – “The Age of Parasocial Bonds”
3. The Guardian – “Why Fans Feel So Close to Celebs They’ve Never Met”

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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