The Science of Fandom

Grief

'Friends' Fans Are Mourning the Loss of Matthew Perry

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on October 31, 2023

"Friends" fans may be surprised by how affected they are by the loss of Matthew Perry. But there's a reason the show and the character are important to many of us.

"Friends" fans may be surprised by how affected they are by the loss of Matthew Perry. But there's a reason the show and the character are important to many of us.

Media

Rooting for Two Characters to “Just Get Together Already”?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on September 19, 2023

If you've ever found yourself yelling at the TV, "Come on, just kiss already," you might be a "shipper." Why are fans so emotionally invested in their favorite couples?

If you've ever found yourself yelling at the TV, "Come on, just kiss already," you might be a "shipper." Why are fans so emotionally invested in their favorite couples?

Media

Why Are More Fans Throwing Objects at Performers Onstage?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on August 1, 2023

Incidents of fans throwing objects at performers are increasing. Some fans just want to be seen and acknowledged by their idols, but others may have darker motives.

Incidents of fans throwing objects at performers are increasing. Some fans just want to be seen and acknowledged by their idols, but others may have darker motives.

Media

The Guilty Pleasure of Soap Operas

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 23, 2023

Soap operas have been criticized as unrealistic, but the familiar characters can be an emotional anchor to keep viewers company or provide some welcome escape.

Soap operas have been criticized as unrealistic, but the familiar characters can be an emotional anchor to keep viewers company or provide some welcome escape.

Social Media

Can Social Media and Online Communities Be Good for Us?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on March 28, 2023

Social support and connection are good for us. Can we find that sense of belongingness we crave online as well as in person?

Social support and connection are good for us. Can we find that sense of belongingness we crave online as well as in person?

Identity

Why Football Fans Get So Emotional

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on February 10, 2023

What kind of Super Bowl Fan are you? Rooting for your favorite team can be healthy and beneficial in many ways—or dysfunctional.

What kind of Super Bowl Fan are you? Rooting for your favorite team can be healthy and beneficial in many ways—or dysfunctional.

Media

Why Do We Root for the Anti-Hero?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on January 9, 2023

Find yourself rooting for the anti-hero of the story? Research shows there may be some good reasons for that.

Find yourself rooting for the anti-hero of the story? Research shows there may be some good reasons for that.

Media

Why Does Watching Dystopian Shows Feel So Good?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on October 1, 2022

There’s a “sweet spot” of media that’s just scary or disturbing enough but not overwhelming, with an underlying message of hope and resilience that can be inspiring.

There’s a “sweet spot” of media that’s just scary or disturbing enough but not overwhelming, with an underlying message of hope and resilience that can be inspiring.

Media

How Fandom Turns Toxic

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on July 16, 2022

Fandom can sometimes feel like a minefield instead of a safe space to belong. What's driving the toxicity and how you can avoid it.

Fandom can sometimes feel like a minefield instead of a safe space to belong. What's driving the toxicity and how you can avoid it.

Identity

You’re Never Too Old to Be a Fan

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 17, 2022

Is being a fan something we need to "grow out of?" On the contrary, research shows that fandom can be a touchstone for identity, continuity, and community as we age.

Is being a fan something we need to "grow out of?" On the contrary, research shows that fandom can be a touchstone for identity, continuity, and community as we age.

Media

How Social Media Can Help or Harm in Times of Disaster

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on March 3, 2022

Constant exposure to disturbing images on social media can increase anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The creative use of memes and TikToks can be a way to cope.

Constant exposure to disturbing images on social media can increase anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The creative use of memes and TikToks can be a way to cope.

Stress

How Fans Have Found New Ways to De-Stress

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on February 2, 2022

Are you exhausted by information overload? Here are five ways to connect with the things you love without taxing your resources.

Are you exhausted by information overload? Here are five ways to connect with the things you love without taxing your resources.

Dopamine

Anticipation Is Part of Being a Fan, and That’s a Good Thing

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on January 2, 2022

We all need something to look forward to, especially now. Anticipation, a big part of being a fan, is associated with mental health benefits and a sense of well-being.

We all need something to look forward to, especially now. Anticipation, a big part of being a fan, is associated with mental health benefits and a sense of well-being.

Health

Why Leisure Is Never a Waste of Time

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on September 28, 2021

Ever worry that leisure activities and fandom are a waste of time? New research shows that devaluing our leisure time may not be good for us.

Ever worry that leisure activities and fandom are a waste of time? New research shows that devaluing our leisure time may not be good for us.

Genetics

Celebrating Gene Roddenberry's 100th Birthday

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on August 19, 2021

Did Star Trek have the answers all along? A conversation with Gene Roddenberry's son Rod to celebrate his 100th birthday finds the show's hope and empathy more relevant than ever.

Did Star Trek have the answers all along? A conversation with Gene Roddenberry's son Rod to celebrate his 100th birthday finds the show's hope and empathy more relevant than ever.

Anxiety

Looking for a Covid-Safe Hobby? Fanfiction To The Rescue!

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on July 31, 2021

Looking for some Covid-safe leisure activities as the pandemic goes on? Fanfiction may be the answer!

Looking for some Covid-safe leisure activities as the pandemic goes on? Fanfiction may be the answer!

Relationships

Fandom Stands Out for Its Culture of Gift-Giving

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on June 23, 2021

Fandom has a tradition of writing and sharing fanfiction for free unless a work becomes a bestselling published book like Fifty Shades of Gray.

Fandom has a tradition of writing and sharing fanfiction for free unless a work becomes a bestselling published book like Fifty Shades of Gray.

Magical Thinking

How Fans Cope When Their Fan Favorites Come to an End

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 29, 2021

With the cancellation of several fan favorite TV shows last week, enthusiasts are facing a genuine loss. A little validation and some individualized coping strategies can help fans heal.

With the cancellation of several fan favorite TV shows last week, enthusiasts are facing a genuine loss. A little validation and some individualized coping strategies can help fans heal.

Media

Fans and Celebrities Are "Ready for Their Cameos"

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 4, 2021

Have you ever wanted to have a personal interaction with a celebrity you admire? Two new social media apps aim to bridge the fan/celebrity gap, at least a little.

Have you ever wanted to have a personal interaction with a celebrity you admire? Two new social media apps aim to bridge the fan/celebrity gap, at least a little.

Magical Thinking

Is Fandom a Cult?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on March 27, 2021

Is being a passionate fan the same as being in a cult? Bestselling author Courtney Summers (The Project) knows a little bit about both.

Is being a passionate fan the same as being in a cult? Bestselling author Courtney Summers (The Project) knows a little bit about both.