ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom
Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom
Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom
Saturday 15th May 2021
Explore the psychology of fandoms with insights from fans and experts on identity, belonging, and the impact on mental health.
29 minutes
Informative
Engaging
Authentic
Inspiring
Eye-opening
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Get the buttons here!Screaming Fans: The Psychology Behind Fandoms
Episode Overview
- Fandoms provide a sense of belonging and community.
- Social identity theory explains fan behaviour.
- Fandoms can impact mental health positively and negatively.
- Parasocial relationships deepen with internet access.
- Balance in fandom involvement is crucial to avoid toxicity.
Sometimes when you love something so much, logic is out the window.
Curious about how others navigate their fandom journeys? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of fans and stans with ABC's 'All In The Mind.' This episode unpacks the psychology behind fandoms, from the Beatles to BTS, exploring what drives people to become so passionately involved with their favourite bands, sports teams, or movie franchises. You'll hear from Barbara De La Pina, whose life took a vibrant turn after discovering BTS in her 40s.
Her story is one of transformation and self-discovery, as she navigates the joys and challenges of being part of a global fan community. The episode also features insights from Melissa, a clinical psychologist and cosplayer, who shares her experiences with various fandoms and explains the social identity theory that helps us understand why fan communities are so important.
With light-hearted humour, the podcast touches on how these communities can sometimes veer into toxic territory, illustrated by incidents like Taylor Swift fans reacting aggressively to album reviews. Through engaging anecdotes and expert analysis, listeners are invited to reflect on their own fan affiliations and the sense of belonging they provide. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the phenomenon, this episode offers a captivating look at how fandoms impact mental health and identity.
So, what makes your heart race when you think of your favourite band or team? Dive into this episode to find out!