Why parasocial Is Trending Today?

The Cambridge Dictionary has named "parasocial" as its 2025 Word of the Year. This term, derived from the Greek word 'para' meaning 'beside' or 'alongside', and 'social', refers to a relationship formed one-sidedly, typically between a celebrity or influencer and their audience. It's a phenomenon where an individual feels a connection to someone they have never met, often due to consuming their content or following them online. The dictionary's choice reflects the growing influence of social media and the changing dynamics of human relationships in the digital age.

Parasocial" has been named the Word of the Year 2025 by the Cambridge Dictionary. This term, referring to a one-sided relationship where one person feels connected to another who is unaware of their existence, reflects our current era's digital culture. The dictionary highlights the increasing trend of parasocial relationships, particularly in online spaces, as a significant reason for its selection.