The Absorption Addiction Model (AAM) provides a framework for understanding the impact of celebrities on parasocial relationships. Celebrities, often being the focal point of media attention, can become the target of intense parasocial interactions. Initially, individuals may feel a social connection to these celebrities, enjoying their work and discussing it with peers (entertainment-social stage). As this engagement deepens, individuals may start identifying with the celebrity or feeling a personal bond (intense-personal stage), where they become emotionally invested in the celebrity's life. At its extreme, this can evolve into an obsessive involvement (borderline pathological stage), where the individual's emotional well-being becomes heavily dependent on the celebrity's actions or presence. This progression demonstrates the powerful influence celebrities can have in the formation and escalation of parasocial relationships, and the potential emotional risks associated with such intense attachments.

Yes, the Absorption Addiction Model can be effectively applied to the relationships between online influencers and their followers. In the digital age, influencers often create content that fosters a sense of personal connection with their audience. Initially, followers might engage with influencers for entertainment and social interaction, corresponding to the entertainment-social stage of the AAM. As followers consume more content, they may develop an intense-personal stage of attachment, feeling as though they have a personal relationship with the influencer. This can include emotionally resonant experiences and a sense of shared identity or values. In some cases, followers may become overly reliant on these interactions, leading to a borderline pathological stage, where the virtual relationship overshadows real-life connections and responsibilities. This application of the AAM to online influencer-follower dynamics highlights the contemporary relevance of the model in understanding new forms of media engagement and parasocial relationships.

The Absorption Addiction Model implies that individual personality traits play a significant role in the development of parasocial relationships. Certain personality characteristics, such as introversion, social anxiety, or a high need for affiliation, may predispose individuals to form stronger parasocial relationships. People with these traits might find it easier or more fulfilling to engage with media characters than to navigate complex real-life social interactions. Consequently, these individuals might rapidly progress through the AAM stages, from entertainment-social to intense-personal, and potentially to borderline pathological. The model suggests that individual differences in coping mechanisms, emotional needs, and social skills can influence how one engages with media characters and the extent to which these parasocial interactions replace or complement real-life social connections. However, it is important to note that the AAM does not explicitly focus on personality traits, meaning that this is an area where further research and theoretical development could enhance our understanding of parasocial relationship dynamics.

The Absorption Addiction Model accounts for changes in parasocial relationships over time by outlining a progression through different stages. These stages reflect a deepening of the relationship and an escalation in emotional investment. Initially, a viewer may have a casual, entertainment-based interaction with a media character (entertainment-social stage). Over time, this can develop into a more intense and personal attachment, where the viewer starts to experience stronger emotional responses and a sense of personal connection to the character (intense-personal stage). Eventually, if this attachment continues to grow unchecked, it might reach a borderline pathological stage, characterised by an obsessive preoccupation with the character and a neglect of real-life relationships. This progression shows that parasocial relationships are not static; they can intensify and become more complex over time, influenced by factors such as the duration and intensity of media exposure, changes in the viewer’s personal life, and the evolving nature of the media character or storyline.

The societal implications of the Absorption Addiction Model in understanding parasocial relationships are significant. This model indicates that as media consumption becomes increasingly pervasive, so too does the potential for intense parasocial relationships. A societal shift towards these one-sided attachments could lead to broader issues, such as decreased investment in real-life communities and relationships. Additionally, the model highlights the risk of emotional dependency on media characters, which can have implications for mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the intense-personal and borderline pathological stages of the AAM might contribute to the spread of celebrity culture and the idolisation of public figures, potentially skewing societal values towards unrealistic standards and superficial ideals. It also raises questions about media literacy and the need for educational initiatives to help individuals navigate their media relationships healthily. Understanding these societal implications is crucial for addressing the potential consequences of media consumption patterns and fostering a balanced relationship with media in the digital age.