Two people keep a diary for six months about following a musician online. Jess writes that imagining a close friendship with the musician helps her feel surer of who she is. After a few months, ordinary posts stop satisfying her, so she pays for exclusive content and spends hours in chats about the musician's private life. Dan also spends more time online, but because the musician has started posting twice as often. He enjoys each post as much as before and has no wish for more access.
Using the absorption-addiction model, explain why the rise in time spent online need not reflect the same process for Jess and Dan. Assess how well diary evidence like this supports the model.
[8 marks]
1 markNew context
Ali watches every episode of a TV presenter's show. He feels he has a special bond with her, thinks about her often when he is not watching, and describes her as his 'soulmate', although he knows she has never heard of him.
Which level of parasocial relationship does Ali show? Shade one box.
[1 mark]
3 marksCore knowledge
Levels of parasocial relationship with a celebrity.
Write the letter of the level that matches each description. One option is not used.
[3 marks]
4 marksCore knowledge
Attachment theory has been used to explain who forms parasocial relationships.
Outline the attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships. Refer to research evidence in your answer.
[4 marks]
16 marksCore knowledge
Many people feel they know celebrities they have never met.
Discuss explanations of parasocial relationships.
[16 marks]
3 marksNew context
A researcher posts a link to an online celebrity attitudes questionnaire on fan forums for three pop stars. Over 900 fans complete it.
Explain one limitation of this way of studying parasocial relationships.