“Who’s your celebrity crush?” “Who’s your favorite actor?” The discussion of public figures is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s common for fans to form a sense of admiration for their favorite celebrities. These connections are often facilitated and strengthened through media and technology, sometimes developing into parasocial relationships, which are defined as an individual’s feeling of a strong emotional connection to someone they do not personally know. While parasocial relationships may seem harmless, they can violate boundaries and hurt both the fan and the celebrity. In order to prevent fans from disregarding a celebrity’s right to privacy, it’s important to recognize the numerous realities of a parasocial relationship.
Celebrities have curated public images that aren’t necessarily reflective of who they are outside of the public eye. Increased exposure through social media has resulted in some fans feeling closer to celebrities than they actually are. Fans often make assumptions about celebrities based on their public interactions, leading to either harsh criticism or intense idolization. Not only does this create an overwhelming amount of pressure for the celebrity to constantly appear perfect, but it also forces them onto a pedestal with standards that are impossible to meet.
Additionally, extreme investment in a parasocial relationship can isolate or create conflict in a fan’s life. In extreme cases, fantasy can blur into reality and admiration becomes obsession. Incessant messaging, stalking or even physical confrontation may occur. “Sasaeng” is the South Korean term for an obsessive fan who invades the privacy of Korean idols, actors or other public figures. Nayeon from the K-pop group TWICE is a victim of a long-term stalker who has repeatedly made an effort to approach her by flying on the same plane as TWICE or going to the group’s company building. Investing so much time and energy into someone who isn’t even aware of your existence is neither healthy nor sustainable. Both celebrities and fans should establish clear boundaries to prevent such behavior and instead create a more positive parasocial relationship that can build confidence, ease loneliness and give people a chance to be a part of a passionate community.
However, undeterred fans who disregard these boundaries may still demonstrate a lack of respect for celebrity privacy. They may feel entitled to know everything about a celebrity and often get offended and resentful when that person expresses their discomfort with being treated this way. Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is one of many celebrities who has faced immense backlash for simply asking fans to stop harassing her in public.
If a public figure doesn’t want their personal life to be exploited, then they shouldn’t have become famous in the first place, right? By choosing this life, they have no right to complain about the consequences that accompany it. Not only is this explanation dismissive of the mental toll that this kind of treatment may have on someone, it is also dehumanizing. It revokes a celebrity’s right to defend themselves in uncomfortable and even violating situations. Rapper Doja Cat almost endured a career-ending scandal when she expressed strong disdain for her musical success and the “unnecessary” obligations to fans that came with that success. She declared that she felt no love for her supporters as she didn’t personally know them. Many tend to react angrily and reject the celebrity for not accepting them in every way they expect. The pressure that comes with the spotlight isn’t meant for everyone, and rather than trying to understand that, some fans instead perceive it as being ungrateful.
Celebrities may have their fans to thank for their widespread success and fame, but they don’t owe them more than what they feel comfortable with. A celebrity and fan relationship must have strict boundaries to function healthily. Fans should understand that being a celebrity is a career and there are work hours as well as personal time that need to be respected. A fan can feel admiration for a public figure they look up to, but that’s as far as the relationship should go.
