The Role of Social Media in Fostering Parasocial Relationships and Delusional Attachments Between K-Pop Idols and Their Fans

Lau, Jiun Wey (2025) The Role of Social Media in Fostering Parasocial Relationships and Delusional Attachments Between K-Pop Idols and Their Fans. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

This study examines the role of social media in facilitating parasocial relationships (PSR) and delusional attachment relationships between K-pop idols and their fans. By focusing on the interactivity of platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Weverse, this study explores how these digital environments blur the line between fantasy and reality, thereby reinforcing the intimacy between fans and idols. The study uses a qualitative research by using focus group discussions and autoethnography to delve into the emotional, psychological and social relationships between fans and idols. The study used a snowball sampling method to recruit participants who as K-pop fans, thereby gaining insight into their lived experiences and opinions. The theoretical framework is based on the concept of ‘Parasocial Interaction’ (PSI), which explains how media consumers form unilateral emotional bonds with celebrities. Findings suggest that social media fuels the illusion of reciprocity, leading to heightened emotional investment, including delusions of mutual recognition or relationships with idols. This study contributes to the understanding of fan culture and the psychological impact of media consumption among digital fan bases which is providing valuable insights for media scholars, mental health professionals, and cultural researchers.