Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships where a person extends emotional energy, interest, and time to another while that person is completely unaware of the other’s existence. These relationships are very common in celebrity culture, but how far is too far?
Recently, Chappell Roan, a music artist who has become exponentially more popular these past few months, released two TikTok videos voicing her opinion on the relationship between her and her fans. Roan says, “If you saw a random lady on the street, would you yell at her from the car window? Would you harass her in public?” Chappell Roan brings up these issues in a way for fans to question their own actions. But, these behaviors are not uncommon. Almost every well known celebrity has dealt with parasocial fans in some way, and this can lead to stressful and unsafe situations.
Many believe that the uncomfortable fan interactions are nothing more than a small downside to a very desirable career. In Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poet’s Department, many moments allude to the discomfort she feels in the spotlight. Taylor Swift has also made billions of dollars from her Eras Tour alone. Fans are the ones who give these stars a career and allow them to make the money they do, so should they get something in return? A few days after her TikTok, Chappell Roan made an Instagram post where she says, “If you’re still asking, ‘Well, if you didn’t want this to happen, then why did you choose a career where you knew you wouldn’t be comfortable with the outcome of success?’ understand this: I embrace the success of the project, the love I feel, and the gratitude I have. What I do not accept are the creepy people, being touched, and being followed.” The truth is, no matter how famous a person is, they are still a person. In 2023, fans swarmed a wedding rehearsal Taylor Swift attended, disrupting the event just to catch a glimpse of Taylor. Parasocial relationships are not normal, and they have never been normal.
In the past, celebrities have attempted to set boundaries with fans, but no one has done it in the way Chappell Roan has. She was open, direct, and said exactly what she has experienced without the concern of others feelings. Most celebrities have chosen to live in fear due to the hate they might receive by speaking out. An important thing to remember is, no person owes you their personal time no matter how much you listen to their music, go to their concerts, or watch them through a screen. A human being is not a product, and no person should have to feel unsafe everyday just to produce the art that you enjoy.
