1. Gabriel and colleagues (2016) describe social surrogates – relationships we have with non-human beings that help fulfill our social needs. They specifically outline three: (1) social worlds, (2) reminders of others, and (3) parasocial relationships. Can you think of other examples from your own life that might qualify as social surrogates?

2. Gabriel and colleagues (2016) note that one reason we immerse ourselves in social worlds is that it helps us develop social skills. Why do you think we willingly seek out this extra practice? Why is it important that we are so good at social skills?

3. The authors argue that we find joy in engaging in “social worlds” through things like movies, books, and shows. However, many of the worlds we choose to engage in for entertainment are not necessarily better than the real world. Many narratives take place in dystopian societies (i.e., Hunger Games, Black Mirror), during horrific periods of history (i.e., the Holocaust, slavery), or simply in a mundane and unexciting setting (i.e., The Office). Why might we choose to escape to these worlds?

4. Consider the impact of “reminders of others” that the chapter discussed. How can this knowledge be used in situations where people are socially isolated from close others? Think, for example, how reminders of others do/can play a role in things like study abroad trips, long-distance relationships, prison sentences, etc.

5. What is a parasocial relationship? What are some of the benefits from these relationships? Some of the dangers?

6. Broadly, this chapter talks about the ways in which we can use social surrogates to meet our need to belong. What are some ways in which these social surrogates might hurt or get in the way of our need to belong?

7. Last unit, we discussed how we build our self-concept using different sources. How might we use social surrogates and parasocial relationships to build our self-concept?

8.

In what ways do social surrogates allow us to make upward and downward social comparisons?

9. How might a therapist leverage social surrogates with a client to lead to better mental health outcomes?

10. How might business/marketing teams leverage social surrogates to increase sales or otherwise promote their brand?