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The connection between a livestream host and viewers is an example of a “parasocial” relationship, a one-sided relationship formed with a media persona, said Assistant Professor Andrew Yee (Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences).

Mrs Lin, my mother’s old neighbour, has lived in the same community for decades. She is accustomed to her own lifestyle and likes to take care of the potted plants she grows along the common corridor outside her home every morning. About half a year ago, a man named Mr Chen moved in next door to Mrs Lin. The renovation work started very early every day and created a lot of noise. Mrs Lin became increasingly troubled. She failed to understand that Mr Chen wanted his family to live in a more comfortable home and instead believed that he was deliberately making the noise to disturb her. Mrs Lin became unhappy, avoided communicating with Mr Chen and even shouted at him as he walked past her door later on.