The document discusses parasocial interaction theory, introduced by Horton and Wohl in 1956, which explores the unidirectional emotional connections viewers form with media personalities. Key features include the blurring of lines between parasocial and orthosocial interactions influenced by various media techniques and audience psychological states. It highlights both positive effects, like social learning and identity construction, and negative effects, such as addiction to media content and body image issues.

1. Stephen Tindi, Dept of Comm & Media. University of
Education, Winneba
PARASOCIAL INTERACTION THEORY
-Befriending people whom we may never really know

2. In this presentation…
i. Basics of Parasocial Interaction theory
ii. What is Parasocial Interaction?
iii. Features of Parasocial Interaction
iv. Factors influencing Parasocial Interaction
v. Effects of Parasocial Interaction
vi. Parasocial Interaction Research
vii. Implications

3. Basics of Parasocial Theory
 Parasocial interaction was introduced by Horton and
Wohl in 1956.
 Parasocial interaction theory is a media effects
theory
 Interpersonal (face to face) interaction and mediated
communication are governed by the same principles
(empathy, sociability, aphability)
 Media audience may be enthralled by media content
and are drawn to media personae
 The perception of interaction between media
audiences and personalities known through the
media is unidirectional and not real.

4. What is Parasocial Interaction?
 Parasocial interaction is the illusionary
unreciprocated involvement of television viewers
with media personalities or performers (Hartmann &
Goldhoorn, 2011)
 “The perception of a television viewer of a relation
with someone known through the media” -Allen and
Gregg (2007)
Example: Movie stars, Tv presenters, talk show hosts,
celebrities, fictional characters , sport men and women

5. Features of Parasocial Interaction
 Parasocial interaction intensifies with every viewing
experience (parasocial episode).
 Parasocial interaction may develop in to a parasocial
relationship
 The distinction between parasocial interaction and
orthosocial interaction becomes blurred over time
 There are differences in how individuals experience
parasocial interaction

6. Influencing factors
 Media production techniques
 camera angles, close-up shots
 Programming antics
 Rhetorical questions, conversational presentation
 Cognitive processing of media content
 Eg: Entertainment Education programs such as soap
opera (Mexican example)
 Psychological state of audiences
 loneliness, unmet social needs (uses and gratification)

7. Factors Influencing PSI
AUDIENCE
MEDIU
M
CONTENT
PSI
• Television
• Radio
• Internet
• Gender
• Developmental
stage
• Psychological state
• Entertainment Educ.
prg
• Talk shows
• News
• Comedy shows

8. Effects of Parasocial Interaction
Positive Negative
 Social learning
 Identity construction
 Adolescents
 Personal gratification
 Indulgence/Addiction to
media content (eg :soap
opera)
 Wishful identification
 Self-comparison (Body
image)
 Aggression
 Consequences of break
up of parasocial
relationship

9. PSI and Research
 Gender difference in parasocial interaction
 Cole & Leets, 1999; Davila-Rosado, 2001
 PSI and attachment style
 Greenwood, Pietromonaco and Long (2008)
 Parasocial interaction and co-presence
 PSI and uses and gratification
 PSI in online communities

10. Conclusion and Implications
The line between interpersonal and
mediated communication continues to
blur.
Oh, is there really any line?
PSI is useful for;
 Media Content production
 Marketing communication and brand
endorsements
 Change communication (Entertainment
Education)

11. GOT QUESTIONS?
 Don’t stop talking!
Tweet at me @xtindi
 Download and share
THANK YOU!