@amras@town.friendmaterial.lgbt
Post #1104433
2026-03-31 20:19 UTC
So, I always knew that I liked livestreams/podcasts/reruns because having a human voice in the room mitigated loneliness. Coming to terms that there's more to it, though.
Parasocial media feels safe, controllable, predictable. Like reaching for an instant meal instead of making something from fresh ingredients.
There's been this temptation whenever an interaction wasn't going my way, to withdraw, go home, and listen to the artificial voices instead.
I'm not planning to stop consuming media anytime soon (nothing wrong with instant meals in moderation), but I am making an effort to notice why I crave them - and reach out to living creatures more often.
Replies (1)
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@amras@town.friendmaterial.lgbt 2026-04-06 20:03
Actually, I wonder if this is why the TV is always on in some households. Like, it would start as a way to bond over shared stories, but eventually become the safer alternative to actual interaction. There's no risk that you'll say something you regret if a show is doing all the talking.