The Know Daily - Wednesday 26 November 2025

_{Read in 4m 15s ∙ Listening to Benson Boone ∙}

New data shows 86 million girls in high-risk countries have received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine since 2023, with estimates suggesting 1.4 million lives could be saved from cervical cancer. With more nations rolling out vaccination programmes and strengthening screening and treatment, the World Health Organization says the world is making measurable progress toward ending this disease 🩵

📱 Parasocial relationships

Cambridge Dictionary has selected “parasocial” as its Word of the Year, reflecting growing interest in one-sided connections people form with media figures, influencers and creators.

What does “parasocial” mean?
A parasocial relationship describes the feeling of closeness or familiarity we might develop with someone we don’t personally know – think your favourite podcaster, TV host, athlete or creator. Even though the word has surged in use recently, the idea itself isn’t new.

A quick history lesson. 
The concept dates back to 1956, when sociologists Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl described the “illusion of face-to-face interaction” created by television presenters. Viewers felt as though a host was speaking directly to them, fostering a sense of connection despite never meeting. As media has evolved – radio to TV, TV to social media – these one-sided bonds evolved too. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and livestreaming now offer a more intimate, everyday window into people’s lives, making these connections feel warmer and more personal.

Why is the term trending now?
As creators share more openly and audiences spend more time in digital spaces, people are looking for a way to describe the bonds that emerge. Parasocial relationships can be comforting, motivating and even entertaining. For a lot of people they add a bit of colour to everyday life. There’s also an artificial intelligence side to it – as communication with chatbots increases, plenty of people have found them to become confidants.

Is there any cause for concern?
For most people, parasocial relationships are harmless and can be positive, providing comfort, inspiration or a sense of connection. Psychologists note that they become a concern only when someone relies on them too heavily, for example, by neglecting real-world friendships or confusing admiration for genuine intimacy. Maintaining perspective is key: these connections can enrich our lives without replacing real social interactions, as long as we remain aware that they are one-sided by nature.

Tips for keeping parasocial connections healthy:
⚖️ Keep expectations realistic: What you see online is curated, not a full picture.
💬 Mix digital with real-world connection: Even small, everyday interactions anchor us.
🪞 Use creators as inspiration, not comparison: Learn from them without holding yourself to edited standards.

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💼 Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her autumn Budget this afternoon, outlining the government’s latest tax and spending plans.

• The bigger story: She’s expected to unveil a series of cost-of-living measures, including a freeze on rail fares and prescription charges, alongside changes to savings rules such as cutting the cash ISA limit. The Budget may increase current council and inheritance taxes, plus introduce new taxes for electric vehicles, taxis, tourism and even milkshakes. We’ll break down everything you need to know in tomorrow’s edition – we’ve got you!

🧠 The human brain has five “eras” and doesn’t technically reach adult mode until early 30s, scientists have found (this explains a lot of my decisions in my 20s 😂).

 🇫🇷 A new national service plan is to be revealed in France, as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to announce a paid, voluntary 10-month programme.

🎭 The BAFTA Breakthrough 2025 cohort – an annual list spotlighting UK creatives – have been unveiled.

🤷‍♂️ Prime Minister Keir Starmer was told off by a teacher for participating in the 6-7 trend whilst visiting a school.

🛍️ The most expensive high street in the world for shopping has been revealed – and it’s in the UK! 

🪩 Nightclubs in New York City are increasingly throwing no-phone gatherings in efforts to remind clubbers to live in the moment.

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Trivia answer: B) The new Exorcist film is to be written and helmed by The Haunting Of Hill House director Mike Flanagan.

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