‘Parasocial’ is Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2025

Following on from

's thoughts on how AI can give you superpowers or become a super distraction, the Cambridge Dictionary has named 'parasocial' as the Word of the Year for 2025.

This refers to people forming parasocial relationships with influencers, characters in books, gurus and even chatbots. If we bear this in mind in our publishing business, it could be a great tool. However, if you find yourself in such a relationship unconsciously, it can have a negative impact on your life.

That's why the Guild is so important to me. I really care about how well

@Thomas Juuls

cover will perform. I really worry, will

@Laura Diaz

outperform me in Barry's group. When

@Paul Davidson

sharing with me his experience, I know it's genuine and that he has taken the time to help me. When I see

@Pamela Henkels

considering a paid tool, I want to find a good free alternative because she's a real person and I care about her. When

@Temmy Ay

showed me his first manuscript and I couldn't stop reading it, I realized that he was no ordinary author. Will

@Swati Kadam