The Cambridge Dictionary has recently named "parasocial" as its word of the year, defining it as a one-sided connection that people feel with individuals they do not know, or even with artificial intelligence. This phenomenon, (30) ________, involves a sense of intimacy that is not reciprocated by the other party. A common example is the emotional attachment fans develop towards celebrities like Taylor Swift, despite never having met them.
Generally, most parasocial relationships are healthy, serving as a normal way to explore thoughts and emotions about others. They allow individuals (31) ________, and to find inspiration from accomplishments, even from long-dead writers. (32) ________, these connections are a fundamentally healthy expression of emotional and social desires, provided they do not interfere with mutual relationships in the physical world.
However, these relationships become problematic if they dominate a person's thoughts or impede independent decision-making. This concern is particularly relevant with AI chatbots (33) ________. Such highly customized interactions, often designed to flatter or agree, pose a real risk. (34) ________. This dependency can hinder the development of crucial social and empatheted skills necessary for genuine human connection.
(Adapted from: https://www.bbc.com)