Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Nguyen, T.M., Khadedeh, M., and Jeong, D.C. (April 12-14, 2023). Shippers…
Nguyen, T.M., Khadedeh, M., and Jeong, D.C. (April 12-14, 2023). Shippers and kinnies: Re-conceptualizing parasocial relationships and fictional characters in contemporary fandom. Santa Clara University: Thesis: This study argues that modern fandon practices such as "shipping" and "kinning" expand traditional definitions of parasocial relationships. the authors propose that fans do not just form one sided emotional bonds with fictional characters but actively reshape identity, community, and social interaction through these relationships (https://dl-acm-org.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3582437.3582476)
Claim one: Parasocial relationships with fictional characters form when audiences repeatedly engage with characters they find appealing and personally meaningful
Evidence one: "identification has been discussed as a significant factor for PSRs...and refers to one's psychological connection with a character through similar traits" (Nguyen 2023)
Evidence two: "PSR and character appeal are connected due to the fact that a fan is simply more likely to enter a PSR with an appealing character" (Nguyen 2023)
Evaluation: The first quote explains that parasocial relationships develop over time through repeated interactions with a character. The second demonstrates that identification, seeing similar traits in a character, creates this psychological connection that deepens attachment. Together, these pieces of evidence show that parasocial relationships form through emotional investment rather than instant admiration. It's like theyre getting to know them as one would do with an actual person they want to be in a relationship with. Additional connection to character appeal further reinforces that audiences are more likely to develop these bonds when characters possess traits they find attractive, relatable, and meaningful.
Claim two: Parasocial relationships with fictional characters can blur boundaries between fantasy and reality, potentially leading to emotional overdependence or distorted self-perception
Evidence one: "Self-shipping more actively and directly replicates aspects of real life romantic relationships" (nguyen 2023)
Evidence two: "Simping for a character involves a one-sided attraction from the viewer towards the character and that attraction contributes to the degree of investment and intimacy directed towards a character" (nguyen 2023)
Evaluation: The article shows that parasocial engagement con involve high levels of intimacy, emotional investment, and even replication of romantic benefits. When fans experience strong attraction and simulate romantic relationships, the lack of reciprocity creates an imbalance that may lead to emotion OVER investment. While the article doesn't claim that paraosocial relationships are harmful the intensity of it describes that these relationships could be psychologically consuming if not balanced with real world social connection.
claim three: parasocial engagment with fictional characters can provide emotional fulfillment and a coping mechanisms
Evidence one: "Some will even form parasocial romantic relationships (PSR) similar to real-life romantic relationships beause of the retention of similar benefits, with fewer limitations (nguyen 2023)
Evidence two: Self-expansion can also occur when someone experiences a cognitive overlap, since being able to see oneself in another makes it easier to apply the experiences of the other as a source of one's own growth (nguyen 2023)
Evaluation: This shows that parasocial relationships mirror real bonds and even replicate romantic relationship benefits. Because these relationships provide emotional intimacy, self-expansion, and connection without the risks or limitations of real-life relationships, they can serve as a source of comfort and stability. The ability to experience growth and fulfillment through fictional characters suggests that parasocial engagement can be a coping mechanism during periods of stress or emotional need
Claim four: Digital media platforms intensify parasocial relationships by giving fans constant access to content and community interaction
Evidence one: "Fans trade interpretations of the content and build off each other, evolving and transforming both community representations and internalized mental representation of the media beyond what it was originally" (Nguyen 2023)
Evidence two: "Fandom involvement has become much more widespread with the use of the internet and social media" (Nguyen, 2023)
This shows that parasocial relationships develop through repeated interactions and continue beyond direct media exposure. Digital media platforms intensify this process by allowing fans constant access to characters through streaming, fan-created content, and social media. Because they are strengthened through repeated engagement, digital platforms play a central role in deepening and maintaining these bonds
claim five: Parasocial engagement allows fans to explore and construct aspects of their identity through fictional characters
Evidence one: "identification has been discussed as a significant factor for PSRs...and refers to one's psychological connection with a character through similar traits" (Nguyen 2023)
Evidence two: "The cognitive overlap allows for exploration of the self through the understanding of the character" (nguyen 2023)
Evaluation: The evidence shows that parasocial engagement is deeply connected with identity. Through identity, fans do not simply admire a fictional character; they study aspects of those characters and incorporate them into parts of themselves. The article's discussion of self-expansion suggests that parasocial relationships can make personal growth easier and allow the individual to experiment with traits, values, and experiences in a psychologically safe space.