Earlier this week, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sent the internet into a frenzy with their engagement announcement. However, a psychologist has issued a stern warning to the couple's devoted fans.

For those who missed the news, the Grammy-winning singer and NFL star shared a series of intimate rose-garden photos on Instagram on Tuesday (26 Aug), including one where Travis is seen proposing on one knee.

In another photo, Taylor proudly displays her stunning old mine brilliant-cut diamond in a gold bezel setting.

"Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married," the couple, both 35, captioned their joint post, which has since received over 34 million likes.

Strangely, after the announcement made international headlines, one woman's social media was inundated with 'odd' comments about her love life—Travis' ex, Kayla Nicole.

The sports journalist, who dated the Kansas City Chiefs star on and off for five years until 2022, broke her silence by posting about 'joy' on social media. Yet, many Swifties flooded her with messages of sympathy.

"Oh Kayla, I feel for you, girl. Karma is at play. It must be tough seeing this on such a grand scale. Hang in there," one Instagram user commented on Wednesday (27 Aug).

"Are you okay, sis?" another inquired.

"You deserve better, beautiful, and you'll find it," a third person assured her.

However, a psychologist has since advised fans against getting overly involved in the lives of people they don't truly know.

In an exclusive discussion with Tyla regarding T&T's engagement, Dr Lalitaa stated: "In moderation, following celebrity relationships can be entertaining and even comforting."

Some Swifties have inundated Travis' ex Kayla Nicole with 'weird' messages (Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

She quickly cautioned: "However, when fans start inserting themselves into these stories, it's often more about the fan's own unresolved issues, identity struggles, or desires for belonging, rather than the celebrity themselves."

The mental health expert continued: "Fans often become deeply invested in celebrity relationships due to parasocial bonds, which are essentially one-sided connections we form with public figures.

"Even without a real two-way interaction, these emotions can feel very genuine, making fans feel connected to them."

Dr Lalitaa also referenced a recent plea by Justin Bieber's Rhode beauty entrepreneur wife, Hailey, who expressed her exhaustion with online critics—many identifying as 'Selenators'—comparing her to her husband's ex, Selena Gomez.

"I thought after seven years it would have calmed down, but it hasn't," she lamented to Vogue in an emotional rant earlier this year.

Hailey Bieber recently begged critics to stop comparing her to Selena Gomez (Raymond Hall/GC Images)

"You'd think that after having a child, people might ease up, but no. It seems like these individuals are going to stay angry."

Addressing this example, the psychologist added: "When someone like Travis Kelce gets engaged, or when comparisons are drawn between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, it can provoke strong reactions in fans who identify with them.

"For some, it feels as if they're part of the story, prompting them to comment, take sides, and project their own experiences onto the narrative, which provides a sense of involvement and belonging."

Explaining the psychological basis of this intense 'fascination', Dr Lalitaa elaborated: "Psychologically, this often ties back to issues of identity, belonging, and safety (as outlined in Maslow's hierarchy of needs).

"If your own relationships are uncertain, unfulfilling, or complex, it's easy to get caught up in someone else's."

A psychologist has issued a warning to celebrity romance fans (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

She continued: "Celebrities feel familiar; we see them daily online, in interviews, on stage, and through media. Social media, in particular, gives us constant exposure, making them seem like friends.

"The challenge is that fans often forget they're responding to a curated image, not the full complexity of real people's lives, as we only see a partial view. This can lead to comparisons, judgments, or even hostility."

"Beneath it all, it often boils down to unmet needs such as seeking connection, reassurance, or processing personal feelings about love and rejection."

So, Swifties and Selenators, it's time to take a step back—there's a real person on the other side of that screen.