No Stupid Questions 100. Is It Weird for Adults to Have Imaginary Friends?
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May 22, 2022 The hosts tackle the fascinating world of parasocial relationships, discussing how one-sided emotional connections with media figures can impact mental health. They share personal stories and listener experiences, particularly with K-pop fandoms, emphasizing feelings of belonging. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia of childhood imaginary friends and their relevance in adulthood. The milestone celebration adds a fun touch, as they engage listeners with trivia and personal reflections about dependencies beyond just substance abuse.
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Parasocial Relationships
- Parasocial relationships are one-sided.
- The listener feels connected, but the podcasters don't know them.
AI Relationships
- Caitlin, a listener, questions if AI relationships are parasocial, referencing the movie Her.
- She doesn't feel connected to current AI but wonders about future advancements.
False Reciprocity
- Anuj Shah's research shows that knowing more about someone can create a false sense of reciprocity.
- This explains why listeners feel close to podcasters, falsely assuming the feeling is mutual.