avatarVictor Cardenas

Summary

The author describes their experience with a writing challenge on Medium, which led to forming parasocial relationships with other writers, and reflects on the impact of these relationships on their personal life and self-image.

Abstract

The author got involved in a Medium writing challenge hosted by Smillew, which revolved around unconventional themes like Scrabble and blowjobs. Despite not following instructions, they enjoyed the process and realized that mathematical deficiency is a global issue, not just limited to the United States. The experience led to the formation of parasocial relationships with fellow writers, fostered by the platform's interactive features. However, the author recognized the ephemeral nature of these online connections and the potential negative consequences, such as impacts on body image and aggression. After the challenge ended, the author felt a sense of loss, prompting a decision to reduce digital media consumption and seek real-world interactions, such as engaging with a local yoga guru.

Opinions

  • The author views the Medium writing challenge as both fun and insightful, revealing broader societal issues beyond the realm of writing.
  • They express a sense of camaraderie and emotional connection with other writers on Medium, despite the relationships being one-sided and largely illusory.
  • The author critiques the shallow nature of online interactions and the potential for negative effects on self-esteem and behavior, such as the desire to alter one's appearance to fit in or feelings of aggression.
  • There is a clear sentiment of disillusionment post-contest, as the author mourns the loss of the parasocial relationships and Medium's lack of tools for sustained social connection.
  • The author ultimately values tangible, real-life experiences over digital interactions, as indicated by their interest in exploring the teachings of

PSYCHOLOGY

I Formed a Parasocial Relationship With a Bunch of Medium Writers

And Tossed the BrāHmasphuṭAsiddhāNta out the window

Photo by local hero/ author

Recently, I got sucked into a social media vortex by participating in a writing challenge here on Medium. It was hosted by the infamous Smillew who may or may not be magic.

The premise was something having to do with Scrabble and blowjobs. It sounded fun, and I was coerced with promises of prizes such as ‘a signed football by Coach Tony’, a ‘deepfake of you as music interviewer Nardwaur’, and ‘a day-old egg and cheese bagel sandwich’.

Fun Fact: In the 7th Century, Brahmgupta invented the modern arithmetic method for the four fundamental operations that was published in the BrāHmasphuṭAsiddhāNta. The four are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In the 21st Century, his seminal work died in the hands of writing challenge judges Ann, Grimsby, and Patrick.

I showed up and served up some weirdo humor. Of course, I sandbagged my contest entry by not reading the instructions because I wanted to see what my esteemed competition could produce.

It was a lot of fun, and it cemented the idea that mathematical deficiency is not a unique characteristic of the United States.

What is a point/ degree? I had to ‘shop sunglasses onto this judge to save them from the shame.

That’s where my problems began. Despite the daft judging, I felt myself forming a bond with these strangers on the internet. I had become invested in their fictionalized universe, drawn in by claps and comments, which in turn created the illusion of familiarity.

Parasocial Relationships

A parasocial relationship is not a parasol given to you by your CIA handler after they threaten to blackmail you for your internet search history. A parasocial relationship is characterized as when a person is exposed to and develops “illusions of intimacy, friendship, and identification” with media personas. My new friends, I felt, were putting forth a sense of social and emotional connectedness. However, my connection with these e-celebs was ephemeral at best.

Negative Consequences of a Parasocial Relationship

A prime consequence of a parasocial relatiohperson’s body image can be marred by a parasocial relationship. After submitting my entry into the contest, I immediately felt the need to purchase a merkin with which to wear on my head. I felt inadequate with not enough fur on my head. The merkin shop owner asked me “What d’you want it for?” and I responded, “It reminds me of the one grandma gave me.”

My statement was untrue, but the shopkeeper didn’t know I’d traded a real-life interaction for that of a fictionalized, one-sided relationship.

“How many d’you want?”

“One hundred.” I was perplexed as to why he would ask me that when all the best things come in batches of 100.

Aggression is another challenge with parasocial relationships as violence and aggressive behavior can intensify. For example, I tried to violently stand on my head the very next day.

The final negative aspect of parasocial relationships is the breakup. After the contest ended, I went into a deep, dark corner of my home, cried, and rocked myself to sleep. It was over. I would never see or interact with any of my good friends again as Medium has developed no tools with which to remain social and to connect with others.

Reflection

As a result of this experience, I’ve decided to limit my digital media intake. I was looking at the local telephone poles and there’s this new yoga guru in town. They seem really cool and down to earth, so I’m going to go lick a toad and see what happens… namaste.

More nonsense

This Happened To Me
Creativity
Humor
Satire
Psychology
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