I Deleted Instagram & Miss My Parasocial Relationships

These influencers only made me feel worse, so why do I miss them? I asked experts to weigh in on parasocial relationships.

Life Online I Quit IG. My Parasocial Relationships Still Live Rent-Free In My Head. These influencers only made me feel worse, so why do I miss them? by Kells McPhillips Jan. 6, 2025 Ariela Basson/Bustle; Getty Images, Stocksy, Target I live with three ghosts: the specter of a mean girl from high school, an influencer with golden hair and great clothes, and a runner who clocks seven-minute miles. Three months ago, I deactivated all my social media accounts because I could no longer stomach the disgust I felt after spending hours a day checking in on online strangers instead of getting creative

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