Cognitive Dissonance and Parasocial Relationships

Having trouble seeing Stranger Things ex-cop Jim Hopper as a hero? You’re not alone.

Following the release of Lilly Allen’s album West End Girl back in October, fans of the show Stranger Things are struggling to come to grips with David Harbour – the actor who plays Hopper – due to Allen’s accusations of cheating and Daily Mail reports on bullying from his co-star Millie Bobby Brown.

In spite of these accusations having nothing to do with the character, why are some people wary of Hopper the character? And how does the media and parasocial relationships affect the way we see fictional characters?

Joining Cameron Furlong to talk about this on the Thursday Daily is Professor David Marshall, Professor Emeritus in New Media, Communication and Cultural Studies at Deakin University.

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Struggling to believe Stranger Things’ Jim Hopper as the ‘good guy’? You’re not alone