Parasocial communication refers to mediated communication that audiences experience with characters on a television, film, or web program. That experience has been described also as parasocial interaction—the impression of face-to-face contact or even interpersonal exchange with the characters or personalities (or personae) they view. Such parasocial communication from persona to audience is one-sided, since the performer cannot hear or see the viewing audience member. This entry introduces the concept of parasocial communication, paying specific attention to current and future research directions in the field.