>>3Yeah, I realize it's a modified persona, rather than the real them, but it still creates the feeling of connection. I guess just with the fake or modified persona rather than their actual self.
>>4Thanks, this is exactly it.
Some more thoughts:
This reminds of the idea of "hyperreality," the inability to distinguish fiction and reality. I guess a parasocial relationship is just another example of this in the modern world. Other examples of hyperreality would be makeup/clothing ads (edited skin tones or body types), subscription services (false ownership of media), social media (false presentation of life). I wonder how much of the future will just be fake things we think are real?