I think it really hit the nail on the head with comparisons between idols and influencers. I've had the same observations for a while now that late-stage capitalism monetizes parasocial relationships because it's one of the last things it can commodify.

Now that the manufacturing has dried up, nobody can afford to buy anything, and luxuries become unattainable, the only things left to sell and profit from becomes the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Love and belonging are where we're at in that process. You can already see capitalism trying to monetize self-esteem and self-actualization.

[–] Jabril@hexbear.net 24 points 1 week ago

That and just gambling on literally everything

[–] vegeta1@hexbear.net 9 points 1 week ago

Always thought that stan culture is poisonous and institutions use the celebs as a shield works because of stan culture which is part of how they whitewash the exploitatoon practices. Another way they monetize parasocial relations