The tendency of some audience members to identify with media figures (such as
celebrities or fictional characters) as though an interpersonal relationship has been
established. A situation whereby audience members develop a sense of kinship or
friendship with media personalities. A type of "relationship" which exists between
television viewers and media performers (for example, talk show hosts, entertainers,
sports stars). (1)
(1) Glossary of communication, University of Jyväskylä