ABC Radio

All In The Mind

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom

Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom

Saturday 15th May 2021

Uncover the psychology of fandoms with personal stories and expert insights on their positive and negative impacts.
29 minutes
Informative
Thought-provoking
Engaging
Authentic
Supportive

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All In The Mind
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ABC Radio
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Fandom Frenzy: The Psychology Behind Passionate Communities

But I think one of the really important things to remember across all these fandom spaces is that it's the minority, because you know we look at the positives of fandoms versus the negative aspects.
What makes fans scream their hearts out for their favorite bands, from the Beatles to BTS? This episode of 'All In The Mind' dives into the captivating world of fandoms, exploring why these passionate communities form and how they impact individuals. Host Lynne Malcolm sits down with Barbara De La Piña, a dedicated BTS fan, and psychologist Melissa, who is also a cosplayer, to share their personal experiences and professional insights.
They discuss how fandoms can shape identities, foster global connections, and spread messages of self-love. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows; the episode also addresses the darker side of fandoms, including toxic behaviors and the challenge of maintaining a healthy balance between fan life and reality. Melissa emphasizes that it's often a small minority that engages in negative behavior, but it can have significant impacts.
Whether you're a diehard fan or just curious about the psychology behind these communities, this episode offers a nuanced look at the highs and lows of fandom life.