Study reveals what happens to fangirls when celebs date

Have you ever idolized a celebrity so much that you fantasized about an entire relationship with them? This phenomenon is referred to as a parasocial relationship, an unreciprocated bond in which fans frequently develop intense emotional ties to celebrities. Even the emotions seem genuine, although the celebrities are entirely oblivious to their presence.

This kind of relationship might be fictional, yet it can replicate the jealousy observed in conventional ones.

A research article in Psychology of Popular Media revealed that fans may experience jealousy when their favorite celebrities enter into relationships, particularly if the new partner is unlike them.

Supporters experience jealousy and insecurity when their favorite celebrity is in a relationship in real life, particularly if the partner contrasts with them in appearance or character. This leads fans to believe they don’t fit their celebrity crush’s type, jeopardizing their imaginary connection. As a result, their deep connection is jeopardized, causing the unease. Ultimately, it’s not about rivalry or desiring to be the celebrity’s companion (even admirers are aware of the reality, regardless of the fantasies); rather, it’s about the danger to the emotional bond they’ve created in their heads.

Nonetheless, on the contrary, resemblance is everything. If the date of the celebrity crush resembles that of the fans, they feel happier. When the celebrity’s companion is perceived as resembling them, it brings them reassurance, providing comfort in fitting ‘the type.’ In a sense, they can envision themselves since they possess almost identical traits and behaviors as their partner.