245. Parasocial Overload Is Making Us Lonely

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Ever felt close to someone online, even though you’ve never actually met them? You’re not alone. From one-sided bonds with influencers to the dopamine loops of TikTok, the digital world is rewiring our brains and slowly replacing real-life connections.

Join Anna and Tim as they unpack the neuroscience behind parasocial overload, the silent rise of loneliness, and the ways our emotional energy is being siphoned into online spaces that don’t give anything back. This isn’t just a Gen Z issue; it’s a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever scrolled past the point of joy.

This Episode Covers:

• What parasocial overload actually is and why it matters
• The 2024 study linking influencer engagement to rising loneliness
• How your brain processes a screen friend like a real friend
• Why connection feels real online but leaves you emptier
• The truth behind influencer mental health and burnout
• The dangerous gap between feeling seen and being known
• Why teens and young adults are struggling more than ever
• Five power moves to reclaim real-life connection

Until next time, here's to deeper connections and personal growth.
Mad love!

The podcast is now on YouTube! If you prefer to watch, head over to https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw3CabcJueib20U_L3WeaR-lNG_B3zYqu

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