Projection
Projection is when people attribute their own motivations, behavior, and feelings to other persons, often falsely. This also applies to persons outside their immediate circle, including celebrities. If a breakup seems unfair, like due to cheating, fans may punish the “wrongdoer” by rooting against their new relationship while sympathizing with the “victim.”
Recent research shows that the likelihood of projecting depends on individual differences in the ability to regulate one’s emotions. Researchers asked study participants to choose from attractive or unattractive options and then evaluated whether they falsely attributed their poor choices as recommended or assigned by someone else. Participants who poorly regulated their emotions blamed others for the bad choices they made under experimentally induced or naturally occurring negative affect, but those with high abilities to self-regulate emotions were far less likely to project.
Shared identity
Fans align with celebrities based on shared identity, which might involve gender, culture, or personal experiences, and take sides accordingly. For example, women who’ve experienced betrayal may side with a female star they perceive as a victim. Suppose an actress has started dating again after a failed marriage. In that case, a female fan might root for her, especially if she’s also dating post divorce and is firmly convinced that women are entitled to move on after prolonged struggles in a bad relationship. This attitude is similar to projection but grounded in social beliefs.
Gloating
Some people take pleasure in seeing wealthy, successful celebrities struggle in relationships, reinforcing the idea that money and fame don’t guarantee happiness. According to the findings of the Adult Development Study, people who are more connected to friends, family, and community are healthier and happier than those who are not well connected.
Parasocial relationships
Finally, some fans develop one-sided emotional bonds with celebrities, feeling personally invested in their lives. If they admire a star, they may cheer for their happiness, while resentment or loyalty to an ex may lead them to oppose a new romance.
Parasocial relationships expand one’s social network in a way that avoids the risk of rejection. They also provide relief from the strain of real-life relationships. Cultivated by the media to resemble real-life ones, parasocial relationships have matured in nature and intimacy. Reality shows allow viewers to share the most personal and intimate details of celebrities’ lives, who in turn openly share their activities and opinions on social media.
The internet has practically enabled around-the-clock access to media, and parasocial interactions increase in parallel to internet dependency. Parasocial relationships may remain unilateral, but they have transformed in interactive ways, becoming stronger and more intimate in nature.
FAQ
Why do so many celebrity couples get divorced?
Constant public attention, demanding schedules, and intense media scrutiny can put additional pressure on relationships.
Who is usually happier after divorce?
According to the results of a longitudinal study spanning two decades, women end up being more satisfied and happier with their lives after getting divorced. Men also felt happier but to a less pronounced extent. The participants rated their happiness and satisfaction levels before their divorces.
Does money buy happiness?
People agree that undesirable financial situations are the biggest cause of unhappiness across countries, income levels, and generations, according to the 2025 Ipsos Happiness Index. A survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by Gallup found that most people associated larger incomes with greater happiness, and those who were financially well-off but unhappy were a small exception.
