Dear Fictional, Your Affection
Helen Wu
Dear Fictional, Your Affection (DF, YA) is an experimental interactive web project that explores the phenomenon of parasocial relationships with fictional characters. DF, YA investigates the one-sided psychological relationships that audiences develop with fictional characters through various forms of new media, including pseudo-friendships, mentor-student bonds, and romantic attachments. The project examines this phenomenon by addressing key questions such as: What are parasocial relationships? Through what mediums do people form these connections with fictional characters? And why do these relationships develop in the first place?
Additionally, DF, YA explores the fan culture communities that emerge from these parasocial relationships, as well as related topics such as personality development and cultural identity. Beyond introducing this unique form of connection to a broader audience, DF, YA encourages participants to reflect on why they are drawn to fictional characters and how they project their emotions onto these characters to form bonds.
The project is divided into four main sections, each representing a distinct medium: manga, video games, novels, and film. These mediums correspond to the worlds in which fictional characters originate, providing audiences with an immersive way to explore and engage with the project's content. By offering diverse interactive experiences within these virtual worlds, DF, YA aims not only to inform but also to create a reflective and engaging experience that highlights the complexities of parasocial relationships and their impact on individuals and communities.