TL;DR: Parasocial relationships are one-sided digital bonds where kids feel like they are "best friends" with creators who don't actually know they exist. It’s not inherently "bad," but it changes how kids consume content and spend money.
- The Good: Mark Rober, The Game Theorists, and Stampylonghead.
- The Intense: MrBeast, Kai Cenat, and IShowSpeed.
- The Goal: Moving from passive "stanning" to active, critical viewing.
Learn more about the psychology of YouTube influencers
If you’ve ever walked into the living room and heard your kid laughing at a joke MrBeast made—as if he were sitting right there on the couch with them—you’ve witnessed a parasocial relationship.
Coined in the 1950s to describe how people felt about TV news anchors, "parasocial" refers to a relationship that is completely lopsided. Your child provides the time, the emotional investment, and often the parent's credit card for merch, while the creator provides... content. The creator doesn't know your kid’s name, but to your kid, that creator is a confidant, a role model, and a daily presence in their life.
In 2026, this isn't just about watching a show; it's about the "vibe." On platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch, creators look directly into the camera, use "we" and "us" language, and share intimate (or seemingly intimate) details about their lives. This creates a powerful illusion of proximity.
Kids are wired for connection. In a world where physical "third places" (like malls or parks) are disappearing for tweens, the digital world is where they find community.
- Authenticity (Even When It's Fake): Unlike the polished actors on the Disney Channel, YouTubers film in their bedrooms. They mess up. They "get cancelled" and make apology videos. This feels real to a ten-year-old.
- Shared Language: When kids say something is "so Ohio" or talk about Skibidi Toilet, they aren't just quoting a meme. They are using a linguistic handshake that proves they belong to a specific creator's community.
- Consistency: Creators like Ryan's World or Aphmau post on a schedule. They are a reliable presence in a kid's otherwise chaotic week.
Not all parasocial bonds are created equal. Some creators use that bond to teach physics, while others use it to sell overpriced energy drinks and gambling-adjacent loot boxes.
Mark is the "cool uncle" of the internet. A former NASA engineer, he uses his platform to make science genuinely thrilling. The parasocial bond here is healthy; kids want to be like him because he’s smart, creative, and uses his powers for good (like glitter-bombing package thieves).
Jimmy Donaldson is the undisputed king of the parasocial world. He has mastered the art of making every viewer feel like they could be the one to win a million dollars. While his production value is insane, the relationship can become problematic when kids start viewing "philanthropy" as a competitive sport or get sucked into the constant "buy this to help the channel" cycle. Check out our guide on the "MrBeast-ification" of kids' TV
For older kids and teens, Emma is the blueprint. She pioneered the "relatable girl" aesthetic—filming herself crying, drinking coffee, and being bored. This creates a deep sense of "she’s just like me," which can be comforting but also lead to intense body image comparisons or "stanning" behavior.
Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed
These are the heavy hitters of the streaming world. Their content is high-energy, often chaotic, and deeply rooted in "clout" culture. The bond here is intense because it happens in real-time. When Kai Cenat is live on Twitch, kids feel like they are hanging out in his room. This can lead to "brain rot" behavior—mimicking loud, aggressive, or nonsensical outbursts for attention in real life.
Ages 5-8: The "Literal" Phase
At this age, kids often don't understand that the person on the screen can't see them. They might talk back to the tablet or get genuinely upset if a creator "disappears" for a week.
- The Move: Keep it light. Focus on creators who are clearly educational or story-based, like Storyline Online or Cosmic Kids Yoga. Avoid "unboxing" videos which trigger intense "I want that" parasocial cravings.
Ages 9-12: The "Fan" Phase
This is the peak of the parasocial bond. They want the merch, they use the slang, and they follow the "drama."
- The Move: Start talking about the "business" of being a creator. Explain that when Logan Paul tells them they need a specific drink, he’s making money from that recommendation. It’s not a friend giving advice; it’s a commercial.
Ages 13+: The "Identity" Phase
Teens use creators to signal who they are. Following a niche Minecraft creator or a specific political commentator is a badge of identity.
- The Move: Encourage critical thinking. If a creator they love gets into a controversy, don't just ban the channel. Talk about it. "Why do you think people are upset with them? Do you agree?"
The biggest risk of parasocial relationships isn't just "wasted time"—it's the potential for grooming and financial exploitation.
- Discord and Private Communities: Many creators have Discord servers where fans can "get closer" to them. These are often poorly moderated and can be hunting grounds for predators pretending to be fans or "mods."
- The "Donation" Trap: On platforms like Twitch, creators often read out the names of people who donate money. To a kid, having their "idol" say their name for five seconds is worth $50 of your money.
- Merch and Consumerism: The bond is often used to sell "limited drop" products. If your kid feels an urgent, emotional need to buy a Roblox skin or a hoodie to "support" a millionaire, it’s time to talk about marketing.
Learn more about how to set up spending limits on gaming consoles
If you come at this by saying "That guy is annoying and his videos are stupid," your kid will shut down. They feel like you are attacking their friend.
Try these prompts instead:
- "I noticed you’ve been watching a lot of Unspeakable lately. What’s the funniest thing he’s done this week?" (Shows interest, not judgment).
- "How do you think he pays for all those crazy stunts? Who is paying for those ads?" (Introduces media literacy).
- "It’s cool that you like his style, but let’s remember that we see the 10 minutes he wants us to see. We don't see the rest of his life." (Breaks the illusion of intimacy).
Parasocial relationships are a foundational part of the modern digital childhood. We can't (and probably shouldn't) stop them from happening, but we can help our kids navigate them with their eyes open.
The goal isn't to disconnect them from their favorite creators, but to ensure they understand the difference between a digital performer and a real-life friend. One provides entertainment; the other provides support. As long as your kid knows which is which, they'll be okay.
- Watch together: Spend 20 minutes watching their favorite creator. Don't scroll on your phone. Just watch. You'll learn more about your kid's internal world in those 20 minutes than in a week of "How was school?"
- Check the "Following" list: Every few months, go through their YouTube or TikTok subscriptions together. Ask which ones they still actually like and which ones they've outgrown.
- Set "Financial Firewalls": Ensure all App Store or Google Play purchases require a password that you keep.
Check out our guide on the best educational YouTube channels for every age