Dear readers, let us take a moment to toast the long-suffering lexicographers at Cambridge who have once again been forced to wrestle with the ridiculousness of contemporary life. Their Word of the Year for 2025 is parasocial, which practically begs for an exasperated “oh for God’s sake!”
The Cambridge chroniclers have merely confirmed what many already suspect. We are now emotionally entangled with people who do not know we exist and who, if confronted in real life, would offer the briefest of nods before escaping toward the nearest exit. Parasocial is the official label for a modern one-sided attachment to a celebrity, an influencer or, even, (God help us!), a chatbot.
Delulu without solulu
There is no point pretending to be shocked. The internet has eviscerated the line between delusional and real. A vast number of us are in intense relationships with Shah Rukh Khan or Virat Kohli or Kareena Kapoor Khan as we track everything from their airport outfits to their diet plans and daily skincare. Others are deeply invested in the podcaster who analyses the newest Bigg Boss episode with forensic zeal or in the influencer couples and families who film their breakfasts and their arguments with suspiciously perfect lighting.
If this still feels exaggerated, consider The Summer I Turned Pretty. That series managed to capture the international psyche and hold it hostage while a fictional teenager tried to decide between romantic options. The heated debates carried the seriousness of a Parliament in session, except with fewer economic projections and far fewer broken chairs.
In love with AI
The true confirmation that parasocial is the perfect word for this cultural moment arrived when millions privately decided that human beings were far too exhausting and redirected their emotional energy into machines. AI companions never forget birthdays, never require sleep and almost never develop problematic political views. They have become ideal partners in an age when even replying to a message feels emotionally exhausting.
People now speak with earnest conviction about friendships and emotional dependence and even, in certain dark corners of the internet, romantic involvement with algorithms.
A century ago this behaviour would have earned one a straight jacket and an extended stay at a notorious sanatorium in Agra . Today, it just a symptom of our anxious times. Experts now spend their time reminding everyone that a chatbot is not a boyfriend regardless of how tenderly it asks about a stressful day.
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Old jargon, new context
Before any dramatic speeches about Generation Z or Generation Alpha begin, let us remember that parasocial is not a new expression. Researchers coined the term in 1956 to describe the gentle fondness that viewers felt for a cheerful presenter advertising detergent on early television.
There is no escaping the truth any longer. Many of us have become supporting characters in the stories of people who do not know we exist. And if that idea leaves you feeling a little gloomy, do not worry. Your favourite AI companion is always ready to offer comfort and validation whether it is morning or midnight. Just do not ask it to help you move a sofa.
Aishwarya Khosla is a key editorial figure at The Indian Express, where she spearheads and manages the Books & Literature and Puzzles & Games sections, driving content strategy and execution. Aishwarya's specialty lies in book reviews, literary criticism and cultural commentary. She also pens long-form feature articles where she focuses on the complex interplay of culture, identity, and politics.
She is a proud recipient of The Nehru Fellowship in Politics and Elections. This fellowship required intensive study and research into political campaigns, policy analysis, political strategy, and communications, directly informing the analytical depth of her cultural commentary.
As the dedicated author of The Indian Express newsletters, Meanwhile, Back Home and Books 'n' Bits, Aishwarya provides consistent, curated, and trusted insights directly to the readership. She also hosts the podcast series Casually Obsessed. Her established role and her commitment to examining complex societal themes through a nuanced lens ensure her content is a reliable source of high-quality literary and cultural journalism.
Her extensive background across eight years also includes previous roles at Hindustan Times, where she provided dedicated coverage of politics, books, theatre, broader culture, and the Punjabi diaspora.
Write to her at aishwaryakhosla.ak@gmail.com or aishwarya.khosla@indianexpress.com. You can follow her on Instagram:
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