Archive · 21 Nov 2025
2025's 'Word of the Year' & Celebrity Worship
This year's 'Word of the Year' is 'Parasocial', which means feeling connected to a famous person you don't know.
Writer Shobhaa De talks about this and her experiences at literary festivals, also mentioning the growing influence of AI like ChatGPT on people's lives.
The 'Word of 2025' is 'Parasocial', defined as a connection felt between oneself and a famous person unknown to them.
Rajnikanth's 50-year career in cinema sparked 'parasocial' relationships among millions of fans.
Shobhaa De discusses the phenomenon of 'parasocials' and its relevance in today's world.
She also shares her experiences at literary festivals across India.
De highlights the growing influence of ChatGPT and its 'parasocial' relationships with users.
- Who
- Shobhaa De, Rajnikanth, and millions of fans
- What
- Discussed and experienced 'parasocial' relationships
- When
- Throughout 2025 and Rajnikanth's 50-year career
- Where
- India, literary festivals, and online platforms
- Why
- To understand and explore the phenomenon of 'parasocial' relationships
Fans' Perspective
Critics' Perspective
Emotional Connection
Fans' Perspective
Fans feel a deep emotional connection with their favorite celebrities.
Critics' Perspective
Critics argue that this connection is one-sided and not genuine.
Influence of AI
Fans' Perspective
Some users develop serious relationships with AI like ChatGPT.
Critics' Perspective
Critics warn about the potential dangers of such relationships.
- Word of 2025
- Parasocial
- Definition of Parasocial
- A connection felt between oneself and a famous person unknown to them.
- Author
- Shobhaa De
- Celebrity mentioned
- Rajnikanth
- AI mentioned
- ChatGPT