What is ParaAware?

My name is Claire Syta. This website is the final product for my Senior Honors Interdisiplinary Project (SHIP). I hope it will serve as a valuable resource for fans, celebrities, and influencers.

By providing research based insights, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of parasocial relationships, especially their impact on individuals and those in the entertainment industry. In an era where technology and celebrities are so prevalent, spreading awareness on this topic is even more relevant.

Whether you're a fan looking for perspective or a celebrity navigating audience relationships, this platform offers valuable information to promote awareness and healthy engagement.

I grew up surrounded with technology. Throughout my teenage career, I have seen myself and peers prioritize social media. Although I have a few inspirations, celebrity culture has never consumed my personal life. Most of the time, I am able to recognize the true distance between me and a star.

A friend who I consider to be very intelligent, emotionally and academically, told me they were upset about their favorite streamer getting “cancelled” (getting called out for inappropriate behavior). The streamer’s behavior was unsettling and my friend’s feelings were valid.

What unsettled ME was that my friend then proceeded to say something along the lines of:

“I don’t know why [the streamer] would do this. I know he’s a good guy.”

I was taken aback. It concerned me that this very capable young person just claimed to know a much older man who they has only ever seen through a screen, and neither of them had any way to directly communicate to each other one-on-one.

That moment inspired me to research more about our relationships with famous people. I want to educate my peers about parasocial relationships they have, and create healthier boundaries with our idols.