Cambridge Dictionary chooses ‘parasocial’ as word of the year 2025

The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "parasocial" as its word of the year for 2025, which refers to a connection that people feel with someone they do not know.

It spotlights the interest in one-sided parasocial relationships that people form with celebrities, influencers, and AI chatbots.

The term was defined by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl, who observed television viewers engaged in "parasocial" relationships with on-screen personalities that were similar to those they formed with family members and friends.

The dictionary used the engagement of famous singer Taylor Swift and American footballer Travis Kelce as an example, saying many fans felt a strong connection with them, even though most had never met them.

"The emergence of parasocial relationships with AI bots saw people treat ChatGPT as a confidant, friend, or even romantic partner," the Cambridge Dictionary said in a statement on Tuesday.

It noted that the rise of parasocial relationships has redefined fandom, celebrity, and, with AI, how ordinary people interact online.

"Millions of people are engaged in parasocial relationships; many more are simply intrigued by their rise. The data reflects that, with the Cambridge Dictionary website seeing spikes in lookups for 'parasocial,'" the statement said.