parasocial behavior

Etymology

The etymology of the expression parasocial behavior requires the understanding of the two terms that make it up individually. The form of behavior of a subject is called behavior . Parasocial , meanwhile, is not part of the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), but it is possible to analyze its components.

The prefix para- has several meanings: in this case we are interested in its meaning as “against or outside of” . Social , on the other hand, is that linked to society (a group of individuals who live under common guidelines).

Rejection of securities

Parasocial behavior does not accept the predominant values ​​but does not have the intention of destroying them . This type of behavior can be related to customs or practices that are considered strange or atypical .

In this framework, we must briefly define other types of related behaviors to compare them:

• social behavior : it is that which does adapt to the rules of coexistence and satisfies the common good. Follow the rules imposed to avoid conflicts. This is the most common;
• antisocial behavior : attacks established values ​​and seeks to damage the social structure. A robbery is a clear example of this type of behavior, although not all of them are crimes. Alcohol addiction , for example, is not a crime in itself, but going out into the street while intoxicated and making annoying comments to passersby is antisocial behavior;
• asocial behavior : it has no link with the common good or with the rules of coexistence . It is a behavior that isolates the person, as happens when someone does not communicate with their neighbors or establish friendships, something that usually occurs due to emotional problems such as depression.

Returning to the idea of ​​parasocial behavior, it is similar to asocial behavior, with the exception that it cannot be carried out in isolation. The parasocial individual does not distance himself from society even if he does not believe in its values, and may even enjoy its benefits.

Relationship with public figure

Parasocial behavior refers to the relationship that a person establishes with a public figure, whether real or fictitious, such as an influencer , an actor or someone who works in television . This relationship is not reciprocal, since the person only has access to the public image of the character, while the person has no knowledge of the existence of that person. Parasocial behavior can be positive, such as when the viewer identifies with the other and feels inspired by them, or negative, such as when this leads to obsession and inappropriate or dangerous behavior.