Parasocial Relationships Are Just Imaginary Friends for Adults
“How to Build a Life” is a column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness. Click here to listen to his podcast series on all things happiness, How to Build a Happy Life.
The most popular poster in U.S. history was issued in 1976 and caused a minor moral panic among American parents. It featured Farrah Fawcett, the Charlie’s Angels star, posing in a red, one-piece bathing suit, flashing her perfect, huge smile. Twelve million copies were sold, including to me and most of my seventh-grade friends, each of us taping her up on our bedroom wall. Our mothers were scandalized, which I suppose was part of the point.
Now, all grown up as a social scientist, I can classify my connection with Farrah—whom I felt like I knew, because,” and which can feel stronger than a real-life tie.
