Community has always helped shape our identities — but community doesn't always have an address anymore. In this episode of Link & Listen, Jessica explores how digital communities, social media, and the people we interact with online influence the way we see ourselves and the world around us. From echo chambers to genuine connection, discover why staying curious may be one of the most important skills in today's connected world.

Ever argued with a stranger online over someone you've never met?

You're not alone.

In Episode 4 of Link & Listen, we unpack the rise of parasocial relationships—the emotional connections people develop with celebrities, creators, athletes, and fictional characters. From fandom culture to celebrity worship, we explore why these bonds can feel surprisingly real and what they might reveal about our need for connection in a digital world.

If something makes us feel seen, listened to, and understood, does it matter that it isn't human?In this episode of Link & Listen, the podcast explores the growing phenomenon of AI companions and the emotional connections people are forming with them. Moving beyond headlines and first reactions, the conversation considers what these relationships reveal about modern belonging, digital connection, and the human desire to feel known.As technology becomes increasingly present in everyday life, the episode asks a deeper question:What are people really searching for when they turn to AI for companionship — and what does that tell us about community in a digital age?Resources & Credits:Audio Credit: "AI companions boom in popularity. Are relationships being redefined?" by Straight Arrow, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1BuZwOCIEU, licensed under CC BY 4.0.