Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Is Less More? Retrieval Ease and Parasocial Perceptions of Kindness

Publication Date

2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Science, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Adam Smiley

Presentation Type

Metadata Only

Abstract

Parasocial relationships are one-sided relationships with media figures. These relationships can help people feel more connected and improve well-being. While research has explored the benefits of these relationships, little is known about how people retrieve traits of these figures and how that will affect how they rank them. This study looks at the recalling process of influencers' kindness and whether or not having to recall more or less kind behaviors causes a different perception. Participants are asked to identify their favorite influencer. Then they are randomly assigned to either an easy retrieval condition, in which they recall three kind behaviors of the influencer, or a hard retrieval condition where they recall ten behaviors. After listing the kind behaviors, they are asked to rate how kind they believe their influencer to be. It is predicted that participants with the easy retrieval condition will rate their influencer as kinder and that stronger parasocial relationships will lead to higher kindness ratings overall. Additionally, it is expected that the ease of retrieval will have a bigger impact on kindness ratings for participants with weaker parasocial bonds. This study will help create a better understanding of how retrieval affects parasocial relationships. Results will be presented at SURS.

Comments

This is an oral presentation.

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