The Impact of Viewer Perceptions of Media Personae and Viewer Characteristics on the Strength, Enjoyment, and Satisfaction of Parasocial Relationships

Abstract

Using a cross-sectional survey design (N = 338), we measured the impact of viewer perceptions of media personae and viewer characteristics on the strength, enjoyment, and satisfaction of parasocial relationships. Strength, enjoyment, and satisfaction of parasocial relationships were strongest with characters that viewers like that are perceived to be similar to the viewer or someone they know in real life. However, the strength and enjoyment of parasocial relationships decreased when the persona was perceived to be similar to either the viewer or someone they know in real life and the viewer was high on attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, or loneliness. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Attachment
• Enjoyment
• Loneliness
• Parasocial Relationship
• Satisfaction