BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Bigger Picture  >  Live & Learn  >  Friend or Faux: Are Parasocial Relationships Good For Me?

Friend or Faux: Are Parasocial Relationships Good For Me?

Dr Joel Low, Clinical Psychologist

05-Sep-23 14:00

Friend or Faux: Are Parasocial Relationships Good For Me?

Have you ever had that one famous movie star, athlete or public figure that you really admired? Perhaps you’ve even had a “celebrity crush” or feel like they could be your friend? Most of us have probably formed at least one parasocial relationship in our lives, and with social media, these individuals feel more relatable than ever. Why do we form such attachments to people we don’t know? And when does that behaviour border on unhealthy, or even dangerous? Joining us on the show to share more about the psychology behind this is clinical psychologist Dr Joel Low. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Lim Sue Ann

Presented by: Lim Sue Ann


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  wellness

Tags:  imaginary friendscelebrity culturepsychologysocial media





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Banktells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Deborah K. Elms from the Hinrich Foundation discusses the latest tensions between the US and China and what they could mean for global trade.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Alina Amir, CEO and Co-founder of Arus Academy discusses institutional readiness in making school a safer place.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, Chairman of EMGS discusses whether Malaysia can be a leading education hub in Asia.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Marhalim Abas, Freelance Defence Writer weighs in on Budget 2026, where the Ministry of Defence gets RM21.7 billion, up 3% from last year.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy, Mizuho Banktells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Toh Woo Kim, Senior Analyst, Hong Leong Investment Bank Research discusses how Budget 2026 might affect the tech sector.

9:35 AM

Ringgit & Sense

Thanneermalai Somasundaram, Managing Director of Thannees Tax Consulting Services discusses tax reliefs and goodies from Budget 2026.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

NanoSkunkWorkX (nSWX)

11:00 AM

Tech Talk

Prashant Kumar, Founder, Entermind

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Azri Jamaludin and Shahrizal Denci, Directors, Bantu Tani

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

TBC

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Focal therapies for prostate cancer promise fewer side effects for men, but is it suitable for every patient? We try to understand more about these minimally-invasive therapies.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Thursday

8:00 PM

BBC World Service

Are atoms permanent? Tune in as the Crowd Science team tries to find the answers.