Virtual Love Constructed Across Dimensions Emotional Attachment Patterns and Identity Formation among Fictosexual Individuals

Abstract

Digital media environments have created new possibilities for emotional engagement. One example is fictosexuality, which describes individuals who experience romantic or emotional attraction primarily toward fictional characters. While discussions of this phenomenon have become increasingly visible in online communities, systematic academic analysis remains relatively limited, especially in Chinese research contexts (Sun, 2024). Through semi‑structured interviews with participants active in online communities, this study explores how fictosexual individuals describe their emotional attachments and how these experiences influence their sense of identity. The findings suggest that attachments to fictional characters can share several features with conventional romantic relationships, including affection, emotional support, and long‑term commitment (Liebers, 2020). At the same time, the fictional context allows individuals to construct relationships that feel emotionally meaningful while remaining psychologically safe. Online communities also play an important role by providing spaces where individuals can discuss experiences and receive validation (Liao & Hao, 2024). This research contributes to a broader understanding of emerging forms of intimacy in digital culture.