Fandom

Watching the video about fandom, I found myself being very judgemental. I see those people who basically devote their whole lives to something that is fictional. I did view them as loners who are socially handicapped and have to obsess over a certain celebrity or TV show to meet their needs. I think it is wrong for people to turn to the media for their own opinions and morals. I feel that people should get that from their personal experiences, not a fictional charecter's. But I suppose some people do not have the opportunity to learn for themselves, so they must turn to media. To a certain point, I can understand a degree of idolizing media texts, but not so much that it rules their entire lives. I think it is very unprofessional for someone like the juror in the video to wear her uniform to an occupation like that. People need to learn to find a "happy medium." They do not need to completely throw away their interests or hobbies, but when it starts to rule your life, I think it is time to cut back a little. But that is just my opinion.

Parasocial Interactions

I have seen parasocial interactions from people I know, but never knew the actual concept of it. I always looked down on people who practically thought they had a relationship with someone famous they have never even met in person. I just figured they did not have the right social skills to form relationships with others in their life and they were lonely. But I see it differently now that I know there is no correlation between parasocial interactions and a person's social skills or loneliness. Even I find myself sometimes leaning toward a parasocial interaction with certain celebrities. The celebrity I chose in class to evaluate was Josh Hamilton, who plays for the Texas Rangers. I was one of the highest scores in the class with a 79. However, I think it is more that I admire him rather than feeling a personal relationship with him. I have seen what kind of a person he is, and the things he believes in and works for. I guess it is easier than I thought to feel so close to someone I have never met.