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These days, fandoms are a multimillion-dollar business. From the Marvel cinematic universe to the BTS army to sports fandoms, people from all walks of life meet both in person and online to share theories, creations, and discussions about their favorite teams, groups, celebrities, or other cultural icons, forging friendships along the way.
In a world where many adolescents feel alone and misunderstood, finding a group of individuals as passionate about something as they are can be a life-changing experience. So, while you may be inclined to dismiss your teen’s intense interest in a particular fandom as just a phase, it’s important to recognize the significant role it can play in their development.
Fandom definition
Fandoms are communities of people who share a love for a celebrity, team, game, television program, move franchise, or other pop culture phenomenon. These groups of fans come together online or in person to engage in and/or discuss their obsession. Many also create content related to their shared passion, such as fan art or fiction.
Fandom and identity development in adolescence
Fandoms can play a significant role in identity formation in adolescence. The teen years are a time when youth seek to discover who they are independent from their parents. It’s a critical life stage when individuals forge their identities, crafting a sense of self that is uniquely theirs. For many young people, joining a fandom accelerates this process in a fun way.
In most fandoms, teens express themselves creatively. These explorations allow adolescents to both revel in the joy of artistic expression and experiment with various aspects of their emerging identity.
Many teens use fan art as an opportunity to express feelings that can be difficult to put into words. By writing fan fiction, creating visual art, composing music, or engaging in cosplay, they can express parts of themselves they usually keep hidden from the rest of the world. Such artistic endeavors within a fandom give adolescents a chance to share their inner thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
The benefits of fandom for teen mental health
The psychology of fandom is widely misunderstood. Many think that to join a fan culture is to merely geek out over a pop-culture phenomenon. After all, Trekkies and Star Wars fans have been the butt of jokes for years. However, fandoms can have beneficial effects on a teen’s mental well-being.
In a fandom, teens become part of collective experiences by sharing events and activities related to their obsession. Whether discussing the release of a sizzling-hot album or the final book in a beloved fantasy series, fandom participation allows fans to connect deeply with like-minded souls. For teens who feel isolated, these connections facilitate development of critical social skills that will continue to serve them well even if they outgrow the fandom.
One of the biggest benefits of being part of a vibrant community of raving fans is the sense of belonging it fosters. These days, many teens feel adrift on a lonely and desolate sea, cut off from the rest of humanity. Thinking that others don’t understand them, they may retreat from the world.
By joining a fandom, adolescents can develop long-lasting camaraderie with fellow fans who share their obsession, even if they live thousands of miles away. Indeed, it’s not unusual for fans to forge friendships that endure long after their celebrity fixation has faded.
The dark side of fandom
While joining a fan-based community can positively affect a teen’s well-being, there are some dark forces: toxic fandoms. In these shadowy corners of the internet, bullying, exclusion, and intense pressure to be like everyone else flourish.
For teens already struggling with heavy psychological burdens, being a member of a toxic fandom can intensify their trials. It can be particularly tough for fan girls, who often face more scrutiny and pressure than boys because toxic fandom communities tend to be sexist.
The development of parasocial relationships—one-sided relationships in which fans feel deeply connected to a celebrity based on illusions of intimacy—is another way fandom can become unhealthy. Teens might start to believe they have a special connection with a pop-culture icon, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and crushing heartbreak when their fantasies inevitably don’t come true.
So-called stans (i.e., stalker fans) take this to an extreme. Such individuals are so obsessed with a public figure that they are driven to engage in disruptive and potentially dangerous or illegal activities, such as showing up at a movie star’s doorstep or stalking them online.
Because adolescents are focused on building their identities, they may become so invested in a fictional world that they start to lose touch with reality. For such individuals, being a megafan can become more important than schoolwork, family time, and even their own self-care. Some teens even go as far as attempting suicide or hurting others when their idol does something they disapprove of or the beloved protagonist of their favorite fantasy epic dies.
Here are some examples of infamous stalker fans whose obsession led to tragedy.
- Mark David Chapman stalked and murdered John Lennon, the former Beatle, outside his New York City apartment in 1980.
- Robert John Bardo stalked and killed actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989 after using a private investigator to track her down.
- Yolanda Saldívar, the president of Selena Quintanilla’s fan club, murdered the singer in 1995 due to personal and financial disputes.
- Ricardo López was obsessed with Icelandic singer Björk, sending her a letter bomb in 1996.
- Margaret Mary Ray obsessively stalked comedian David Letterman throughout the 1980s and 1990s, breaking into his home and stealing his car multiple times.
Therefore, while recognizing their many benefits, parents must also be aware of the potential downsides of fandoms. Here are some practical tips for helping your teen participate in such communities in healthy ways:
- Stay informed: Take time to learn about the fandoms your teen is involved in. Understanding what your child is passionate about can help you spot warning signs before they escalate into full-blown problems.
- Watch for warning signs: Be vigilant for signs that your teen’s engagement is becoming unhealthy. These might include spending excessive time online, withdrawing from family and friends, or becoming overly emotional about their celebrity obsessions.
- Set limits: Set clear rules for how much time your teen spends online. Make sure your teen knows the importance of unplugging and enjoying offline activities.
- Promote healthy interactions: Explain to your teen why being respectful and positive in their online interactions is important. Encourage them to avoid toxic behavior and to stand up against bullying whenever they see it.
By applying these strategies, you can help your teen enjoy the fun parts of their fandoms while avoiding any unhealthy aspects. This balanced approach will help ensure that they stay mentally healthy.
Know when to seek help for your teenage fan
If your child is entangled in a toxic fandom, exhibiting signs of a parasocial relationship with an idol, or is experiencing anxiety or depression for any other reason, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. These days, most teens are digital natives—so comfortable online that it’s almost like a second home. That’s why online teen therapy—a highly effective, evidence-based alternative to in-person treatment—is a great option for today’s adolescents, delivering help via the internet without requiring them to leave home.
Online counseling also offers greater anonymity, which can be crucial for teens afraid to seek help due to fear of being judged. Instead of spending hours in crowded waiting rooms where they might run into someone they know, they can receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of home.
Final thoughts
Fandoms can add immeasurable richness to adolescents’ lives. Participation in a vibrant community of fellow fans can provide a sense of belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
However, if you notice your teen becoming unduly obsessed with a particular pop cultural phenomenon, it’s time to intervene. Obsessive behaviors can indicate that their engagement is no longer healthy, and addressing the problem early on can prevent more serious mental health challenges from developing down the road.