Cambridge Dictionary has revealed its word of 2025 as “Parasocial,” reflecting the heightened interest in one-sided connections with celebrities, influencers, fictional characters, or even AI chatbots. The term describes the relationship individuals have with someone they don’t personally know, which has become more prevalent due to digital communication and AI advancements.
Colin McIntosh, the editor of the Cambridge Dictionary, highlighted the widespread engagement in parasocial relationships and the growing curiosity around them. The Cambridge Dictionary website witnessed a surge in searches for the term “parasocial,” indicating its relevance in today’s society.
The concept gained attention when IShowSpeed, a streamer, blocked a fan who professed a strong emotional attachment to them, labeling themselves as IShowSpeed’s top parasocial follower. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s engagement announcement with football star Travis Kelce on Instagram stirred intense emotions among fans, leading to discussions about parasocial connections with celebrities.
The utilization of AI chatbots for companionship or romantic interactions prompted discussions on people’s reliance on algorithms for social connections. Veronica Lamarche, a psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Essex, noted that parasocial relationships, although not new, have garnered recognition in contemporary times.
The term “Parasocial” originated in the 1950s to describe the perceived relationships viewers formed with on-screen personalities. However, the roots of these connections trace back further, with Lord Byron being identified as one of the earliest celebrities to have such relationships with fans.
Veronica Lamarche emphasized the distinction between being a fan and having a parasocial relationship, using examples like Taylor Swift and Lily Allen to illustrate the difference. While parasocial relationships are often seen negatively, Lamarche highlighted their potential to supplement social interactions during times of loneliness or when traditional relationships are inaccessible.
Among the contenders for Cambridge’s word of the year were “pseudonymization,” a process to protect personal information, and “memeify,” which involves turning various content into internet memes. Additionally, dictionary.com selected “6-7” as its word of the year, a term that has gained popularity among school-aged children.