Cambridge Dictionary names 'parasocial' its 2025 word of the year

"Parasocial," a term describing the one-sided relationships people form with individuals they do not know personally, has been crowned the Cambridge Dictionary's 2025 Word of the Year. This selection reflects a significant cultural shift, where intense fan connections with celebrities and interactions with AI chatbots are redefining modern social dynamics. The dictionary noted a substantial spike in online searches for the word, indicating widespread public curiosity.

Defining a Modern Phenomenon

The concept of parasocial relationships was originally defined by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, who observed television audiences forming attachments to on-screen personalities that mimicked real-life friendships. Today, this dynamic has expanded to include relationships with social media influencers and artificial intelligence. The dictionary's statement highlighted that "the emergence of parasocial relationships with AI bots saw people treat ChatGPT as a confidant, friend, or even romantic partner."

Real-World Examples and Impact

High-profile relationships, such as that between singer Taylor Swift and American footballer Travis Kelce, were cited as prime examples where fans develop a deep, albeit entirely one-sided, sense of connection with the celebrities. This trend is not merely a niche interest; the Cambridge Dictionary stated that "millions of people are engaged in parasocial relationships," and that their rise has actively "redefined fandom, celebrity, and, with AI, how ordinary people interact online."

A Reflection of Digital Culture

By choosing "parasocial," the Cambridge Dictionary captures a defining aspect of contemporary digital life. The award signals official recognition of how technology and media are reshaping human connection, moving interactions into a space where the boundaries between audience and performer, or user and AI, are increasingly blurred.