Give a little

Parasocial relationships — or one-way relationships — are nothing new. In their heyday, The Beatles were adored by raving young fans who felt as if they were singing only to them.

Paul gets me, the young fans would think to themselves.

Today, in the age of the internet, these parasocial relationships have proliferated. It’s not enough to be a fan anymore; either you’re a “Simp” or a “Stan” or you’re not part of the club.

Even simple attachments to internet personalities — journalists, YouTubers, politicians — jade our judgment. It’s why we’re so shocked…