Parasocial Relationships of Gen Z Users and Perceived Political Authenticity of TikTok Influencers: A Cross-Sectional Correlational Study

Michaella Pana; Rowell Nitafan

doi:10.64807/gkjtdn54

Authors

Michaella Pana University of Southern Mindanao Author
Rowell Nitafan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64807/gkjtdn54

Abstract

This cross-sectional correlational study examined the association between parasocial relationships with TikTok influencers and perceived political authenticity among Filipino Generation Z users. The study included 1,500 respondents aged 18–24 who had followed one of five selected political-content TikTok influencers for at least six months, with 300 respondents in each influencer stratum. Parasocial relationships were assessed in terms of interest, knowledge, identification, and interaction, while perceived political authenticity was assessed through ordinariness, consistency, and immediacy using a four-point Likert response format and previously validated survey measures. Data were summarized using means and standard deviations and analyzed using Spearman rank-order correlation and multiple regression. Respondents reported high levels of parasocial relationships (M = 3.11) and perceived political authenticity (M = 3.14). Interest was the highest-rated parasocial dimension (M = 3.21), while consistency and immediacy were the highest-rated authenticity dimensions (M = 3.16 each). Parasocial relationships were strongly and positively associated with perceived political authenticity (Spearman’s ρ = .797, p = .001). The regression model explained 62.5% of the variance in perceived political authenticity (R² = .625; adjusted R² = .624), with identification emerging as the strongest standardized predictor (β = .361), followed by knowledge (β = .262), interest (β = .170), and interaction (β = .149), all p < .001. Because the data were cross-sectional, these findings indicate association and statistical prediction, not causation. The results underscore the importance of perceived similarity, familiarity, and relational closeness in how Gen Z audiences evaluate political authenticity on TikTok.

Keywords:

parasocial relationships, perceived political authenticity, Generation Z, TikTok influencers, political communication

Author Biography

Michaella Pana, University of Southern Mindanao

I am Michaella O. Pana, a fourth-year AB Political Science student at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, Philippines. My research interests include contemporary political communication, youth political behavior, and the influence of digital media. I am currently conducting a causal study on the parasocial relationships of Generation Z and the perceived political authenticity of TikTok influencers. Through this work, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of how social media shapes political perceptions and engagement among young voters in the Philippines and beyond.

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