The Definition of «Media Person» in Parasocial Communication: Basic Approaches to Understanding

K. Syvash

Abstract


Research methodology. The basis of the study is following methods such as: systematization of interdisciplinary scientific data on the topic (communication studies, media psychology, sociology, journalism) – to determine the state of scientific study of the topic and its little-studied aspects; analysis and synthesis – to interpret the concept of «media person» and to distinguish its main characteristics; a comparative method – in the process of comparing adjacent categories «media person», «media character», «media hero».

Results. The article defines topical definitions of «media person», «media hero», «media character» and highlights their main features as participants of para-social communication.

Novelty. The article refers to the little-known issue of defining the distinction between subjects of parasocial interaction. Due to the fact that the media person, as an active part of paracommunications, plays a decisive role in their construction, a clear categorization of concepts is on time. The research presents communication, media psychological and postmodern approaches to the interpretation of «media personae». The peculiarities of «media persona» and «media character» functioning in the television space are singled out.

The practical significance. The results of the study can be used in the further study of parasocial communication. The proposed definitions supplement the existing social and communication vocabulary and will be useful to researchers in the areas of journalism, social communications, media psychology and sociology. Described features of screen characters will be useful in empirical studies on the topic of  audience involvement and the implementation of the transportation, identification, parainteraction and worship effects.

Key words: media person, media hero, media character, parasocial communication, media psychology, television.


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