Throughout the 2000s, stan culture has become increasingly popular within mainstream media. Presently, the word tends to refer to dedicated and extreme fans of a celebrity or public figure. Many are in favor of and enjoy stan culture, while others argue that it causes more harm than good.
Those in favor argue its value lies in its ability to connect. It allows people to find others who are equally passionate about their interests. Communities can form and allow people to have a space to express themselves and their for whatever or whoever they are a fan of. It has the ability to be an incredibly welcoming space.
The criticism lies in the extreme nature these fanbases can often take on. The internet is full of fans who take their liking of a celebrity way too far. Overzealous support can lead and has led to cases of online harassment and doxing because of disagreements. Many blame stan culture for exacerbating and normalizing this type of behavior, as well as breeding parasocial relationships.
According to the National Register of Health Services Psychologists, a parasocial relationship is “a one-sided relationship formed when one party extends energy, interest, and time and the other person doesn’t know they exist.”
Developing these kinds of relationships has become much easier due to the development of social media, which allows audiences to gaze “deeper” and more frequently into a celebrity’s life.
Although, parasocial relationships are not inherently bad. According to Everyday Health, parasocial relationships are “common” and “perfectly healthy.” As social beings we want to feel “close” to people we admire and like.
I personally do not have any problem with parasocial , and like most people, have my fair share. It’s hard to engage with someone’s content time and time again and not to some degree develop one.
While I do not participate in stan culture, I also do not think there is anything inherently wrong with it. People should feel free to engage with others as passionate as themselves, and use the internet in a way to have fun.
However, the trend of harassment that tends to stem from stan culture is worrying and should be taken seriously. When you like something to the point of wanting to harm other people, you’ve crossed several lines. The aspect of stan culture that is an overwhelming pro is its ability to bring joy into people’s lives, so inciting the opposite completely defeats the purpose.
In order for these fanbases not to get out of hand, it takes from the people in them. If outside forces have repeatedly saying “this is bad” to no avail, then at a certain point you have to call for change from people in the in-group. But as long as people participating in stan culture in a respectful way, then they shouldn’t feel the shame often associated with it.
Harvie Marcotti can be contacted at
hmarcotti@kscequinox.com
