4 Week 3 summary

This week you have learned about the different sorts of relationships we might form with fictional characters including para-social relationships and collective assimilation. You have learned a little about the theories psychologists have developed about why we might form such relationships, and how the relationships we form with fictional characters share many of the elements that are usual in ‘real’ relationships, such as the importance of likeability and wanting to find out more about someone. You also explored some of the positive impact that relationships with fictional characters can have, including reducing loneliness and providing us with a sense of belonging. Importantly, throughout this week you looked at research which has demonstrated the power of fictional relationships, including that they can affect our body image, increase our strength and that we can even assimilate the characteristics of vampires and wizards.

You can now go to Week 4.