Stephen Colbert

We love Stephen Colbert. Why, you ask? Cause he’s amazing. F-ing amazing. He’s credible, his opinion shapes ours, we love hearing his voice in our homes, we look forward to watching him on television, and if he appeared in another media text, WE’D TOTALLY WATCH IT!

What does this all mean? We’ve formed a parasocial relationship with Stephen Colbert. In short, we have a one sided friendship with him. You may find this to be strange, however you may have a parasocial relationship and not know about it. In fact, many people do, especially with television personalities.

Walter Cronkite is a perfect example of a person in the media who became trusted and welcomed into the homes of many. During the Vietnam War, his opinions were greatly influential in drawing the American people to the opposing side.

Today, there are many people who idolize Stephen Colbert as well. Facebook has several groups dedicated to him, including one that sponsors him as president. With over a million members, it’s well on it’s way to two million. The incredible success expresses the beliefs of the people of the United States who have put their trust in such a figure.

Our love for Stephen Colbert is founded in the basis of parasocial relationships and is what drives us to engage all forms of media with which he is associated. The significance of these relationships in our lives shapes us into who we are and what we believe.