Purchasing idols’ merchandises has become more and more popular
among fans. This study utilizes in-depth interviews o investigate impacts of
the motivations of parakin relationships on purchase intentions of idol’s
merchandises. The research reveals that self-oriented and idol-oriented
motivations lead fans to develop parakin relationships with idols, and social
comparisons enhance the intentions. Moreover, self-oriented and friendoriented
motivations shape parasocial relationships among fans, and the
social comparisons among fans stimulate their desire to acquire idols’
merchandises. This research uses NFT as an example and fulfills the gap in
the literature and enriches the parakin relationship theory. It also explores
the motivations of parasocial interactions and parakin relationships among
fans, and how they lead to the purchase decision of NFTs.