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The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show

The Dr. Sarah Hensley Show

Episode 52, Season 2: Why We Get Attached to People We've Never Met: Parasocial Relationships

Jun 2, 2026 · 23m

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About this episode

Parasocial relationships are everywhere in the age of social media. From influencers and creators to celebrities and online personalities, we have more access than ever to the lives of people we've never actually met. While these one-sided connections can provide entertainment, inspiration, and even a sense of belonging, they can also become unhealthy when they begin to replace real-world relationships, emotional intimacy, and authentic connection. In this new episode, host Dr. Sarah Hensley and co-host Raina Butcher explore the psychology behind parasocial relationships, attachment styles, and the emotional needs that make these bonds feel so powerful. They discuss how loneliness, trauma,…