From virtual attachments to real-world fertility desires: emotional pathways in game character attachment and parasocial relationships

Our findings indicate that simulated-game experiences are linked to FD mainly via affective rather than cognitive pathways. We propose an "Emotional Compensation Hypothesis," whereby virtual emotional bonds buffer real-world stressors and, in turn, shape reproductive attitudes. This framing positions emotional bonding as a key theoretical lens for exploring the association between virtual gaming experiences and affective orientations toward parenthood, offering preliminary insights into digital-era reproductive attitudes. Future studies should use longitudinal designs and assess the model's generalizability across diverse contexts.