Fandoms: Digital Fandoms

In a way this post will be similar to my 'Am I a fan?' Post as it will briefly touch upon the difference between being a fan and being obsessed, however instead of focusing on artist harassment it will be fellow fans.

The world wide web was designed to be a place whether intellectuals could share ideas, however now it is full of keyboard warriors, somebody who is abusive towards people online as they gain a sense of confidence from anonymity, and cat memes. In terms of fandoms it has both positives and negatives. It helps fans to keep updated with what their favourite artists are working on, connect with fellow fans and buy merchandise without leaving their homes. In a negative aspect, it creates a false sense of confidence due to the anonymity (as mentioned previously), which can lead to people attacking others fandoms. Barbara J Guzzetti states from her research, 'Older teen girls in particular reported being intimidated online more often than other youth. Adolescents’ self-reports identified some of the harassing behaviors that young people have been subjected to by their peers online'16

From my personal experience growing up this is the case, despite what my previous posts say about me now, I used to be in a The Wanted fan group. When One Direction formed so did a rivalry between fans of the two. People were slated in the comments for picking the wrong side in a similar way that teenage girls used to be if they chose Jacob over Edward17 or vice versa. In a quick search I found over 50 'I hate one direction' groups on Facebook, with comments been said such as, 'Katrina Sherif- They are the best so shut up stupid girls or lets say BITCHES I mean the admins of this stupid page stupid girls'18 and 'Alissa Fowler- I hope u die and burn in hell bitch!'19 This is horrendous in both attitude and language for comments regarding a band who is aimed at 15 year old girls20

To conclude, I would argue that being on social media gives people a strange lack of thought regarding the consequences of their actions, therefore creating a difference between fandoms and digital fandoms. The idea of a fandom is people from all ages and backgrounds coming together to discuss a band/artist/piece/film that they love, however when it becomes digital/online it seems to become more abusive towards people that disagree. Could this be dangerous towards to individuals? Potentially. Could this be dangerous for the reputation of what people are a fan of? Potentially. Only time will tell as life online escalates into becoming the only form of fandom.

16 Identities in Online Communities: A Young Woman's Critique of Cyberculture

Barbara J. Guzzetti

First Published January 1, 2008

Volume: 5 issue: 4, page(s): 457-474

Article first published online: January 1, 2008; Issue published: December 1, 2008

17 Twilight reference

18 https://www.facebook.com/142465509101330/photos/a.506327099381834.87058547.142465509101330/506327109381833/?type=1&theater

19 https://www.facebook.com/I-hate-one-direction-142465509101330/

20 https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/lessons-marketers-learn-one-direction-brand-phenomenon/1208304

#Fandoms