Parasoziale Bindung durch gemeinsame Selbstreflexion

Explorative Fallanalyse eines ‚Realtalks‘ auf YouTube inklusive reaktiver Kommentare

Abstract

This paper examines parasocial relationships on digital platforms from a sociolinguistic perspective. A pragmatic approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods of textual and conversational analysis is employed to characterize transmodal communication between content creators and their online communities. The object of investigation is a polyvocal dialogue on a leisure-oriented YouTube channel. In the discourse-initiating video, a moderately popular German-speaking content creator shares a personal mental health issue. In 533 reactive comments, the online community provides emotional support, tells response stories, and attempts to offer explanations and advice. Through this case study, the article discusses how participatory communication about shared experiences can transform online platforms into spaces for self-reflection and social support while maintaining the hierarchical nature of the discursive roles.