Lecture Notes: Parasocial Relationships with Fictional Characters

Introduction

• Speaker: Tanya Cushman
  • Professional Background: Psychology professor at the University of Oklahoma and fiction writer.
• Topic: Relationships with fictional characters.

Harry Potter Engagement Estimation

• Calculation: Time invested in the Harry Potter series.
  • Assumptions:
    • Only half of the books sold were read.
    • No re-reads.
    • No shared readings.
    • Reading time per book: 3 hours.
    • Movies only seen in theaters.
  • Result: 235,000 years of man hours.
• Wider Context: Similar engagement across all fictional media.

Psychology of Fiction

• Two main questions:
  1. Why do we invest so much in fiction?
  2. What effects does this engagement have?

Parasocial Relationships

• Definition: Relationships with someone you don't know through media consumption.
  • Examples: Characters (e.g., Katniss Everdeen), real people (e.g., celebrities).
• Influence: Media and social media enhance these relationships.
• Tamar Gindler's Concept of 'Alief':
  • Belief vs. A-leave: Subconscious belief-like feelings that fictional characters are real.

Effects of Parasocial Relationships

• Benefits:
  • Buffer against loss of self-esteem and social rejection.
  • Social facilitation effect: Boost in cognitive tasks.
  • Expanded perceived social circle includes fictional characters.
• Research by Jessica Black and Tanya Cushman:
  • Focus: Fictional grief when a character dies.
  • Study: Compared grief for fictional characters vs. real-world acquaintances.
  • Results: Higher grief for fictional characters, especially among women.

Implications and Questions

• Emotional Engagement: Fictional stories effectively engage emotions.
• Value of Fiction vs. Real Life: Overvaluation of fictional characters’ lives.
• Potential for Real-World Impact:
  • Fan activism (e.g., Harry Potter Alliance).
  • Fiction can increase empathy.
• Concerns:
  • Representation in media: Disproportionate focus on certain groups.
  • Real-world implications of treating celebrities and politicians like fictional characters.

Conclusion

• Call to Action:

  • Be mindful of media consumption.
  • Consider the impact of fictional engagement in real-world actions.

• Thank You Message.