Cambridge Dictionary Picks Parasocial as Word of the Year 2025

“Parasocial” Named Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2025

The Cambridge Dictionary has selected “parasocial” as its Word of the Year for 2025 , highlighting the growing public interest in one-sided emotional relationships formed with celebrities, influencers and increasingly, artificial intelligence. The selection reflects shifting digital behaviour, expanding online communities and the blurred boundaries between virtual and real-life interactions.

Meaning and Historical Background

The term “parasocial” describes a one-directional emotional connection that an individual develops with a public figure they have never met. Coined in 1956 by American sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl , the concept initially captured the perceived closeness audiences felt toward television personalities. Over the decades, the definition has broadened to include YouTubers, streamers, content creators and now AI chatbots and virtual companions .

Why Cambridge Chose the Word

Searches for “parasocial” surged in 2025 due to high-profile celebrity events, internet controversies and public discussions about the psychological effects of online influence. Cambridge Dictionary also revised its entry to incorporate the rise of AI-mediated relationships , acknowledging that people increasingly form emotional bonds with digital agents.

Growing Relevance in Digital Culture

From fan reactions to social media announcements to the emotional dependency some users develop on virtual assistants, parasocial dynamics have become an integral part of modern internet culture. Researchers note that such bonds may offer comfort and motivation but can also distort expectations if they replace real-life interactions.

Understanding Healthy vs Unhealthy Bonds

Experts emphasise that parasocial relationships are not inherently negative. They can aid identity formation, provide support and foster inspiration. However, concerns arise when these connections create unrealistic emotional expectations or limit offline social engagement. As digital life expands, understanding parasocial behaviour is increasingly important in discussions on mental health and online culture.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• “Parasocial” was coined in 1956 by Horton and Wohl .

• Describes one-way emotional connections with public figures or AI systems.

• Cambridge Dictionary chose it as the Word of the Year 2025 .

• Over 6,000 new words were added to the dictionary in 2025.