PARASOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND ACADEMIC MOTIVATION 

<span> <p><span>This research seeks to investigate the relationship between parasocial relationships and academic motivation in the context of the rising trend of digital media use. Parasocial relationships refer to one-sided emotional connections with media figures. These are increasingly being observed in the lives of adolescents and emerging adults. Guided by Social Learning Theory and Self-Determination Theory, this research aims to investigate the relationship between parasocial interactions and students’ academic motivation.</span></p> <p><span>This quantitative correlational research design was employed in this study. The participants consisted of 102 students from the age group of 18-25. Convenience sampling was employed to collect the required data. The Parasocial Interaction Scale and the Academic Motivation Scale were used to collect the required data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were employed to analyze the data.</span></p> <p><span>Results showed moderate levels of both parasocial relationships and academic motivation. However, the correlation between the two was negligible and negative. The correlation coefficient was -0.025. The results showed that although the phenomenon of parasocial relationships was significant in the lives of the participants, it was not significant in terms of academic motivation.</span></p> <p><span>This research contributes to the domain of media psychology in the sense that it shows the role of parasocial relationships as secondary motivators. The role of real-life social and educational systems in academic motivation cannot be ignored.</span></p> <p><span>Keywords: Parasocial Relationships, Academic Motivation, Media Psychology, Adolescents, Social Learning Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Digital Media</span></p> <div> <span><br></span> </div></span>