Xen Ulusoka

I think we need to have a candid conversation about parasocial relationships in the streaming space. People forget they know a LOT more about streamers than we do about them and it inherently creates an unbalanced dynamic. People have gotten so upset that I haven’t DM’d them back, taken up invites or given special treatment at IRL events; which always leaves me confused because a lot of this is behavior I reserve only for my close friendships. Steamers simply do not have the capacity to get to know everyone or build friendships with every person. It truly isn’t personal. We have a full life outside of our online presence and I think people forget that because they think they see ALL of us on stream when it’s a fraction of who we are. I try to be as kind as possible whenever I interact with anyone, but I think that kindness is often misread as special treatment when I treat EVERYone with kindness. However, being nice isn’t an invitation to make assumptions about closeness or push boundaries. As streamers it’s ok to set firm boundaries and let people know when they’re making you uncomfortable. If they continue to push things, it’s also ok to remove those who refuse to respect you and/or your space 💜