Parasocial Relationships and Fanfiction: Intimacy, Identification, Friendship, and New Media

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Courtney E. Smith (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Jenni Simon

Abstract: The concept of parasocial relationships has been around for a number of years. There are many varying factors that cause individuals to turn to media and develop a parasocial relationship through that media over time. Parasocial relationships can be expanded and facilitated through the reading and writing of fanfiction, which are fictional stories written by fans of characters or media personalities. The expansions of parasocial relationships, or fanfiction, can be found through many websites on the internet, including fanfiction.net, Wattpad, and Tumblr. The following paper will examine the causes of parasocial relationships and how those connect to the reading and writing of fanfiction.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
Communication Studies, Communication Theory, Parasocial Relationships, Para-social Relationships, Fanfiction, Fan Fiction, Uses and Gratification Theory

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