Communication Professors Set to Release Pioneering Book on Impact of Parasocial Relationships in the Digital Age

As social media platforms blur the lines between public figures and their followers, a trio of distinguished professors from the Communication Department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette are set to revolutionize our understanding of these digital connections with their upcoming book, Parasocial Media: A New Era of Parasocial Interaction and Media Evolution. In “Parasocial Media” Dr. Lauren Auverset van Gerwen, Dr. Philip Auter, and Dr. Phillip Madison will explore the evolving dynamics of media interactions and their impact on society and examine how the interactive nature of new media might impact the development of parasocial relationships.

Scheduled for publication in January 2025, this timely book arrives as the digital landscape continues to evolve, offering cutting-edge insights into the complex world of parasocial interactions just when the discourse on media consumption and its effects on society is most pertinent. Dr. Lauren Auverset van Gerwen, Dr. Philip Auter, and Dr. Phillip Madison are renowned for their contributions to the field and their specialized research on parasocial relationships, generational media use, and social media effects, and their upcoming work offers an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners alike in communication and media studies.

"‘Parasocial Media’ is more than just an academic exploration,” explains Dr. Auverset. “It’s a guide for navigating the ethical and societal challenges that arise from our online connections with public figures. Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of social media on parasocial relationships and to spark conversations about the future of media consumption and production. This book is the culmination of years of research and collaboration between myself and my co-editors, reflecting our commitment to understanding the complexities of parasocial interactions in the digital age. "

The anthology explores the nuanced dynamics of parasocial relationships, which are characterized by viewers' one-sided emotional connections with media personalities and examines how these have been transformed by the evolution of media and technology. “Parasocial Media” examines the profound changes in the media landscape, the intricate mechanics of parasocial relationships, the impact of new media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and the ethical and societal implications of these evolving interactions.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Lauren Auverset van Gerwen at 337-482-6103, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Communication Department.

About the Authors: Dr. Lauren Auverset van Gerwen, Dr. Philip Auter, and Dr. Phillip Madison are faculty in the Department of Communication at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. With a rich history of research and publication in media studies, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this seminal work on parasocial media.