Remembering Liam Payne: Fans, loss, and the parasocial bond
Understanding fans and their connection to celebrities.
People can become highly attached to celebrities they don’t personally know, demonstrating a parasocial relationship. A parasocial relationship is a one-sided relationship in which one person is in complete awe of someone who is unaware of their existence. There are various reasons parasocial relationships can occur. A celebrity may share a fan’s values, allowing a sense of connection and relatability that develops into a strong passion. Other times, a famous person’s work — such as a musician’s lyrics — can help fans cope with hard times. These strong feelings make one feel as if they truly know that public figure, building a deep, one-sided attachment.
Recently, Liam Payne, a member of the British-Irish boyband One Direction, passed away. As a fan of the group since 2013, this news was and still is very difficult to process. After their indefinite hiatus began in 2016, there was less talk about One Direction in the media. However, media outlets and social media were flooded with talk about Payne’s death. As this is one of the first deaths of a major celebrity this generation grew up with, even people who weren’t fans of the band grieved.
As One Direction was a big part of many people’s childhood and teenage years, many fans felt like they lost someone close. Fans around the world held memorials to pay tribute to Payne. Many fans recalled memories of the singer on social media, from the days of One Direction to the recent years. These online tributes highlight his solo career, iconic performances, and funny moments. Other members of the band and loved ones of the late singer spoke up as well, sharing their memories and love.
Mourning Liam Payne’s reminds us all how big the One Direction fan base once was. It brought many together, allowing us to relive memories from the past and create a strong sense of community. I reconnected with friends I had made during the years of being a big One Direction fan to share my own thoughts and feelings and to check in on one another.
Unfortunately, the grieving has received backlash with the message, “he did not even know who you were.” Disenfranchised grief—grieving something society doesn’t necessarily accept or agree with—is valid and quite under-looked. Many don’t understand the depth behind situations like this and how it impacts fans. For many of us, Liam Payne was not just a musician but a person we grew up with. It’s important to understand that grief is personal, and connections made from afar can be just as meaningful.
