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Fandom was BIG in 2023.

Not solely have been folks extra snug than ever figuring out as followers, however fandom was a motivating issue driving all the pieces from film reboots to soccer recreation attendance. Listed below are 5 moments final yr that demonstrated the highly effective influence of followers, and present why fandom could be good for all of us.

Lengthy-Lasting Love Affairs

In the event you’ve ever questioned the lasting affect of followers, Star Trek fandom ought to persuade you that after followers resolve they’re captivated with one thing, that keenness can final for a lifetime — and be handed on to the following technology too. (Sure, that’s a Star Trek reference). An actor I’ve identified for a few years, the proficient Todd Stashwick, grew to become a part of the Trek franchise final yr with a task on one of many present Trek collection, Star Trek Picard. He posted on social media yesterday that his Star Trek posts have been by far the preferred. Star Trek’s lasting success is a testomony to the ability of fandom. There have been greater than ten Trek collection, spanning greater than 5 a long time, and that doesn’t even depend the films!

We will’t speak about Star Trek fandom with out speaking about Star Wars fandom, one other long-standing ardour for many individuals that continued its recognition with followers outdated and new. Disney broadcast the brand new Star Wars collection Ahsoka final yr, and at its hottest, fourteen million viewers tuned in throughout the globe. The Fandom wiki lists Star Wars fandom as the most important fandom in 2023, including new followers to its giant and various group with new content material constantly over time, together with The Mandalorian. Curiosity clearly hasn’t waned; this yr I used to be a visitor on a model new podcast dedicated to Star Wars in its many incarnations.

Different fan favourite franchises additionally demonstrated their endurance final yr. A brand new Starvation Video games film premiered that’s a prequel to the movies that started in 2012.

Alana King by Lauren Scott/Used with permission

Followers of the unique books and movies have been joined by new followers who found the fictional universe both on Netflix or in quite a few fancams on Tiktok, resulting in what the Each day Dot known as a Starvation Video games renaissance. Not solely have the characters remained in style, however the dystopian themes resonate as a lot or greater than they did when the primary ebook was printed in 2008.

One of many causes that revisiting issues we have liked prior to now feels so good is nostalgia. By means of the method of psychological transportation, followers join their previous and current selves, leading to a way of continuity and larger that means in life. This acts as a buffer in opposition to nervousness about mortality and existential threats, and is related to greater vanity, optimism and well-being.

The Energy of Fandom

The facility of followers extends to new media additionally. Theatrical movie releases have struggled for achievement not too long ago, however when followers’ ardour is captured by a movie — or two — their enthusiasm can flip a film premiere right into a cultural occasion. That occurred final yr with the premiere of Barbie and Oppenheimer on the identical weekend. Followers turned the releases into an unlikely double function, dubbing it “Barbenheimer” and creating lengthy strains on the field workplace for folks decided to see each movies on the identical day. CNN pronounced the phenomenon considered one of 2023’s defining popular culture moments, proving that capturing followers’ collective consideration is the easiest way to “go viral.”

Followers confirmed their affect in each realm in 2023, together with music. CNN additionally named Beyonce’s “Renaissance” tour and Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour as defining popular culture moments. Swift’s fandom continued to develop worldwide virtually 20 years after her first album launch — she was even named Particular person of the 12 months by Time Journal. Her long-time followers undoubtedly gave some I-told-you-so nods to individuals who wished to see what all of the fuss was about when her Eras live performance tour grew to become wildly in style. In the event you couldn’t get to a live performance corridor, you may nonetheless have a good time being a Swiftie — you may go see the film manufactured from the exhibits. Swift was so in style in 2023 that I used to be requested greater than as soon as to touch upon whether or not she was at risk of being overexposed — however to this point, followers have remained loyal and welcomed new followers to their ranks.

As if new music and a film weren’t sufficient, Swift’s recognition additionally benefited from her very public romance with Travis Kelce of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. For probably the most half, followers have been elated at glimpses of the couple, applauding Swift altering the lyrics of a tune to reference Kelce when he got here to her live performance and Taylor cheering for the Chiefs at his video games. An actual life love story provides one other layer for followers to spend money on a parasocial relationship with each celebrities.

Parasocial relationships, that are uniquely one-way relationships between followers and celebrities, have been as soon as pathologized. Nonetheless, it seems that followers are nicely conscious that the relationships are usually not reciprocal, however benefit from the feeling of reference to somebody they admire in addition to the connection they discover with different followers. That sense of belongingness and acceptance additionally bolsters vanity and reduces stress and loneliness.

For Taylor and Travis followers, 2023 was an awesome yr, with Kelce coming off a Tremendous Bowl win and Swift’s file and live performance gross sales hovering. Analysis exhibits that followers expertise a way of vicarious achievement when whoever they are a fan of is profitable, including to the psychological advantages of fandom.

No Matter What You’re A Fan Of, Take pleasure in It!

You may assume that sci fi, music and sports activities fandom have to be very totally different, however the truth is fandom is fandom. Followers are followers, whether or not they’re captivated with Luke Skywalker, Katniss, Taylor Swift or the Chiefs.

Partaking in fandom, whether or not meaning going to a live performance or a soccer recreation or the brand new Starvation Video games film premiere, brings followers collectively — and that feels good. The sensation of belongingness can occur on-line too, whether or not it’s becoming a member of within the Barbenheimer memes or fanfiction for Taylor and Travis (is it Traylor? Swelce?) or deep dialogue of Star Trek Picard’s continuation of Gene Rodenberry’s imaginative and prescient. All of us want to search out “our folks” and plenty of people discover that in fandom.

Being a fan can also be a strong methodology of self-care – fandom is a type of leisure and play, providing a brief respite from on a regular basis stressors and a solution to loosen up, unwind and easily have enjoyable. That may be going to a live performance or a movie or a recreation, nevertheless it additionally may be assembly up with buddies on-line to play Dungeons and Dragons or have a watch get together for a favourite episode of a beloved tv present.

So get pleasure from your fandoms, no matter they’re. Followers have been a pressure to be reckoned with in 2023 – and little doubt shall be simply as instrumental in shaping the favored tradition panorama in 2024!