Fandoms create a safe space for individuals wanting connection and belonging. Despite a few toxic communities, fans can be positively affected in their community.
Fandoms are groups of fans who share a common interest, which can range from TV shows, movies, music and more.
Fandoms can get a bad reputation for seeming “too invested” in what they’re into. If these fans are sharing their passion with others without there being any harm in it, there is no issue. If someone doesn’t like a fandom they come across on the internet, they can scroll.
Within the fandoms I’m in, I haven’t seen too much toxicity, but that can be with what it’s about or how old it is. Right now, I would say the fandoms that are the biggest in my life include “The Walking Dead” and “The Quarry.” These fandoms are slightly older, so that can filter out toxicity with them being more established.
Obviously, the internet can have some dark places with some members of fandoms seeming “hardcore,” but that shouldn’t define a whole group. As a whole, some fandoms can be toxic with what they’re into.
You can find some unhealthy fandoms online, ranging from people simply being toxic to people who are into illegal activities. There is an issue when it comes to these fandoms because they’re enjoying things that can be at the expense of others, such as sexualization or fetishization.
Yet, being a part of a community can positively impact someone by giving them a sense of community. Whether something is niche or more mainstream, people strive for connection and to find more people who share the same interests as them. Having online access has enabled me to connect to videos about things I like, which I appreciate.
If fandoms didn’t exist, there would be a lack of entertainment online and a lack of passion. With some of the media I’m a fan of, I haven’t been able to find people in real life that shares those interests. Fandoms online have been able to show me that there are people out there that have the same passion.
Sometimes, individuals often hate the people who are in their own fandom, often stating, “This fandom is a prison.” There can be toxicity inside of fandoms with wars about whether they prefer one character to another or what “ship” is superior.
The “Stranger Things” fandom went through a big ship war when the last season was airing. Fans were split on who they wanted to be “endgame,” and when their favorite couple didn’t end up together, they weren’t happy. Fandoms should be united and not engage in toxic conflict. Just because your favorite ship wasn’t official at the end doesn’t excuse being toxic to the other side of the fandom.
Fans can overstep in a fandom. If the fandom is about someone real, they can develop a parasocial relationship with that person, creating an unhealthy mindset. Parasocial relationships are when a fan is extensively involved in someone else’s life, but the other person doesn’t know that they even exist.
Parasocialism can help someone by reducing the sense of loneliness. If the person the fandom is centered around isn’t being affected negatively by parasocialism, then fans should be able to express their love and passion in a healthy way.
Parasocialism is big when it comes to family vloggers, and it needs to be addressed. Parents that run family vlogging channels often post about their children’s lives, and anyone online can see it. Viewers can get too invested in the child’s life, which puts the child in an unsafe environment.
Everyone has passions and interests, even the people who hate on fandoms. Fandoms can include hobbies and activities, so whether these people like it or not, they can be a part of a fandom just by talking with people who do the same thing as them. Everyone is a fan of something.
Fandoms can be both positive and toxic; it depends on who you surround yourself with. Showing passion for something healthily can create a sense of belonging and pride. If the fandom isn’t harming anyone, then there is no issue.
