The rise of social media influencers means it is easier than ever to form parasocial relationships with celebrities or online influencers. Although parasocial relationships are one-sided and don’t involve any contact in the real world, the death of someone whose life you have been closely following online can cause a visceral reaction.In the case of Dave Hollis, his sudden death at the age of 47 sent a subreddit community of over 13,000 people into an emotional freefall. In this conversation with Emily Rose, digital creator and host of the It’s Become A Whole Thing podcast, you’ll hear about the dynamics of parasocial relationships, how celebrities leverage these types of relationships, and the coping mechanisms that people employ when the other side of a one-way relationship experiences a life event.Key Points From This Episode:The event that shook a 13,000 person strong subreddit community this week.How the Hollis’s became the mega influencers that they were. The abrupt emotional shift that often accompanies a person’s death. The definition of a parasocial relationship. The spectrum of celebrity-focused communities that can be found online.Emily’s thoughts on the worst thing that can happen to a celebrity. Examples of how celebrities leverage parasocial relationships to their advantage.The power of online communities. Speculations that are being made about Dave’s death and Emily’s thoughts on how the world might find out the truth. Aspects of the Hollis’s that make them so relatable.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Emily Rose on InstagramIt’s Become A Whole Thing PodcastFollow Molly McPherson: Patreon Instagram TikTok Twitter YouTube Facebook Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis Indestructible: Reclaim Control and Respond with Confidence in a Media Crisis - Audio Book © 2023 Indestructible PR Podcast