A psychologist revealed the real reason why Taylor Swift fans are so obsessed with her.
It’s well known that the American pop superstar has some of the most dedicated fans on the planet.
From those who travel thousands of miles and pay hundreds to watch her reel off hit after hit to others who tenaciously leap to defend Swift on social media – Swifties don’t play around with their status.
READ MORE: ‘I went to Eras Tour but never listened to a Taylor Swift album before – it was like a cult’
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However, have you ever wondered why her millions of fans are so hellbent on having the 34-year-old musician’s back like she’s their best friend?
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images f)
Well, there actually is a reason for it – parasocial relationships, apparently.
So what is this emotionally charged ‘bond’ that causes mass infatuation to someone they don’t even personally know?
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer, of UK Therapy Rooms, explained: “Parasocial relationships refer to the illusion of intimacy and even friendship that media audiences develop with public figures, despite the lack of reciprocal knowledge or two-way interaction.
“While one-sided, these bonds can provide comfort, inspiration and a sense of belonging for fans.”
Recently, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters experienced the wrath of Swifties after he jokingly made a dig about the singer and questioning if her Eras Tour is fully ‘live’.
But, Swifties aren’t the only group of fans to have formed this intense one-sided relationship.
(Image: Getty Images)
As social media has boomed and people are more willing to share their life online, more people are forming ‘connections’ with complete strangers – celebrities or not.
But in Taylor’s case, her “magnetic performances” further exacerbate the parasocial relationships some of her fans have formed towards her.
Dr. Daniel Glazer continued: “For some Swifties, the emotional peaks of experiencing Taylor’s magnetic performances live only amplify these already strong parasocial ties.
“Their brains are so focused on savoring and attempting to “connect” with their idol that other sensory details get deprioritized for memory encoding.
“This highlights both the power of music to psychologically bond us through shared experiences and emotional spaces, as well as the limitations of our cognitive capacity when overwhelmed by profound personal salience and meaning.”
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management)
Gone are the days of just being ‘star struck’ as becoming emotionally ‘involved’ with those idolised is becoming the ‘in-thing’.
And this could be contributing to the phenomena of Swift ‘post-concert amnesia’, says the clinical physiologist.
After witnessing the lyrical enchanter on her tour, some fans have reported to experience ‘memory loss’ of the concert that they had paid hundreds of pounds for.
The medical professional concluded: “So in many ways, the ‘amnesia’ Swifties experience simply underscores the cerebral intensity and attachment driving these parasocial relationships with Taylor.
“It’s their minds’ way of cherishing the most resonant moments.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
