Cambridge Dictionary’s 2025 Word of the Year Highlights ‘Unhealthy’ Modern Trend

Cambridge Dictionary has announced its Word of the Year for 2025, selecting the term “parasocial.” This word describes a one-sided relationship where individuals feel a connection to someone they do not personally know, including artificial intelligences like chatbots.

Understanding the Term: ‘Parasocial’

The term “parasocial” was first introduced in 1956 by sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl. They used it to explain how television audiences developed attachments to TV personalities. Today, this concept remains relevant as social media users create similar connections with celebrities and online influencers.

Modern Examples

• Taylor Swift: Her engagement to NFL star Travis Kelce has drawn significant public attention, with fans expressing personal feelings for the couple despite not knowing them.
• Lily Allen: The British singer’s album “West End Girl” has increased interest in her personal life, reflecting contemporary parasocial dynamics.

The Impact of AI on Relationships

With the rise of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, the discussion surrounding parasocial relationships has intensified. Colin McIntosh, a lexicographer at Cambridge Dictionary, remarked that “parasocial” captures the essence of contemporary society as language evolves. He noted that millions engage in these relationships, sparking curiosity about this modern trend.

Expert Opinions

Simone Schnall, a Professor of Experimental Social Psychology at the University of Cambridge, called the selection of “parasocial” an inspired choice. She highlighted how these relationships are reshaping notions of fandom and celebrity. Schnall warned that many individuals now engage in unhealthy parasocial interactions with influencers, leading to misperceptions of trust and loyalty.

Additional Notable Words

Cambridge Dictionary also recognized other significant terms from the past year. These include:

• Slop: Content of very low quality, especially if generated by artificial intelligence.
• Memeify: The act of transforming an event or image into a meme.

This year, the dictionary added approximately 6,000 new words, including trending terms like “delulu,” “skibidi,” and “tradwife.”

As language and technology evolve, the concept of parasocial relationships continues to be a topic of interest and concern for many.