Parasocial relationships are everywhere, but why are we getting so attached to people we don’t actually know? And how is this obsession shaping our mental health, our fandoms, and our culture? Today we break down the real psychology behind parasocial relationships, stan culture, and the emotional dynamics that keep us hooked.

When does being a fan go too far? And could these intense attachments actually secretly be making us miserable? It’s actually a surprisingly complex problem, because while being a fan can undoubtedly bring joy into our lives, there’s also a dark side that’s been growing more and more intense in recent years. How do we know where the line with “parasocial relationships” really is?

Let’s take a look at how this behavior plays out on screen (from Ingrid Goes West to Perfect Blue to Misery & beyond) and in real life to get a deeper understanding of the real issue…