Images by jenniferlinneaphotography and Joe Bielawa from Wikimedia, Gilles Lambert on Unsplash
Justin and Hailey Bieber have been trending again after his controversial Instagram caption and performance with Sza, but why is everyone getting involved in their relationship?
The Bieber couple have been in the media since the start of their high-profile relationship and whirlwind two-month engagement. Justin had previously dated actress and Singer Selena Gomez, causing arguments online for years over who Justin should be with.
Audiences have developed parasocial relationships with the three leading to people having lots of opinions on the Bieber’s love life.
Vance Ricks, a teaching professor of philosophy and computer science at Northeastern University says: “There is something that feels dehumanising about it. That they are just figures on a board that you are moving around for your own entertainment.”
For another story on parasocial relationships click here: https://illuminatedmag.co.uk/2025/05/30/why-are-we-obsessed-with-cassies-relationships/
People have been comparing Hailey and Selena, since the start of Hailey and Justin’s relationship and speculating on Justin’s happiness.
“I think part of the appeal of a lot of parasocial relationships is projecting yourself into that situation or what if this person did know me and what if we were friends, so I think a lot of it is connected to that sense of imagination and speculation,” Ricks says.
Earlier on in their relationship, videos went viral of Justin closing a car door on Hailey and walking away from her in multiple paparazzi videos, leading people to think Justin does not care for her.
There have also been rumours about Justin not being over Selena, despite the relationships ending years ago. Ricks thinks it is important to keep critical distance on people.
He says: “Remember that no matter what it seems like you don’t actually know these people unless you are on a first name basis, and you’ve actually spent time around them.”
Rumours were heightened recently after Hailey appeared on the cover of vogue and Justin posted a now deleted caption stating, “So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t get a vogue cover cuz clearly I was sadly mistaken”.
This led people to speculate about his motive behind the post and the post and whether his is a good partner or not, as he did not congratulate her.
People were comparing the situation to the lyrics “Sang off-key in my chorus cause it wasn’t yours”, in Selena Gomez’s song ‘Lose you to love me’. As they thought that perhaps the lyrics were about Justin Bieber, and he is displaying this behaviour with Hailey.
He also recently guest appeared at one of Sza concerts and people are speculating online that he might have been intoxicated, as he appears to be folding over. Sza also held his chin, as they both sang to each other, which some people think was to focus his attention.
Other people think it may have been an inappropriate romantic gesture, furthering the discourse surrounding Justin and Hailey’s marriage.
Ricks says: “Not knowing any of this firsthand, it must be incredibly difficult growing up in the spotlight, even if to some extent you saw it coming it doesn’t mean you really understood what that would mean.”
Earlier this week it was also announced that Hailey sold her make-up brand Rhode to Elf, causing more people to conspire that she had to because Justin is rumoured to be in debt, which has not been confirmed.
It can be said that people online feel entitled to information, “I think some people think we need you it’s not enough that we’re paying you, we also have the right to more than that, so I do think that is a line that some people cross,” Ricks says.
All the controversies and fandoms has led to intense debates online.
“It can be fun and a way of community building to find other people who share your interest and are also fascinated by the same set of people, I think again just having a good deal of self awareness about what that actually means and what it doesn’t mean is really important,” Ricks says.
Do you think it is okay to gossip about your favourite couples? Does being in the public eye mean we are entitled to information?
For more stories on People click here: https://illuminatedmag.co.uk/people/
