The Rise of Parasocial: Word of the Year 2025 and Its Impact

The term 'parasocial' was named Word of the Year 2025 by Cambridge Dictionary, reflecting increased interest in one-sided relationships with celebrities, influencers, and AI bots. This trend highlights shifting dynamics in fandom and online interaction, with many forming deep yet one-sided connections. The dictionary added 6,000 new words in 2025.

The Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2025, 'parasocial,' highlights an evolving fascination with one-sided relationships involving celebrities, influencers, and AI chatbots.

As the digital era grows, fans forge deep, often emotionally charged connections with public figures they've never met. This trend is reshaping how people interact online, from singer Taylor Swift to AI confidants like ChatGPT.

The dictionary's selection emphasizes a broader linguistic shift as society becomes more enmeshed in virtual interactions. Words like 'delulu' and 'slop' also gained traction, marking 2025 as a landmark year for language evolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)