Abstract
Parasocial interactions (PSIs), or perceived intimate relationships with favorite performers, were compared with celebrity identification, which is when spectators want to model or emulate a celebrity. College students (N = 188) completed an online questionnaire where they identified their favorite celebrity, answered demographic questions, and completed measures on celebrity PSIs and celebrity identification. As predicted, participants reported greater PSI than identification with their favorite celebrities, and participant gender and age were significantly related to celebrity gender and age. However, choice of celebrity was not based on race of celebrity and participant. Also, having lower PSI scores, greater celebrity identification, and being female significantly predicted choosing a female celebrity. But, having lower PSI scores, greater celebrity identification, and being older significantly predicted choosing an older celebrity. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.