The internet has grown in ways that no one could have predicted. What was once so inaccessible has now become so accessible, according to “How Many People Use The Internet? [2023]: 35 Facts About … – Zippia.” 12 Jan. 2023, https://www.zippia.com/advice/how-many-people-use-the-internet/.How Many People Use The Internet? [2023]: 35 Facts About … – Zippia, with 64.4% of the global population as users and 4.7 billion people on social media. It’s not unexpected that there are various niches and crannies all across the internet. One notable example is the world of stan culture.
‘Stan’. Eminem invented the term in 2000 as a portmanteu of the words “stalker” and “fan.” The term was originally intended to characterise obsessive fans of celebrities and entertainers, but it has now been redefined to refer to someone who is simply more invested than the average fan. While stan culture can be viewed as passionate support, it also has a bad side. Some stans exhibit toxic behaviours, such as cyberbullying and harassing other fans or critics. This tendency can lead to online confrontations known as “fan wars,” in which fans of various artists and fandoms clash.
There’s no doubt that every person has some of their personal information online, whether shared through social media or online communities. Regardless of where you are, there are all types of public records that may personally identify people, but that sometimes comes at a cost, especially if someone pieces your information together in the hopes of subjecting you to cyberattacks, hacking, and more. The increasing number of online vigilantism and cyberattacks is not unfamiliar to other K-pop fandoms and it is inevitable that they will continue to be treated as part of the people who have soft power (a persuasive approach with influence) in their hands. Boris Cipot, a high ranked security engineer at Synopsys, explained to “Meet The New Anonymous—100 Million BTS ARMY And K-Pop Stans … – Forbes.” 06 Sept. 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2020/09/06/meet-the-new-anonymous-100-million-bts-army-and-k-pop-stans-a-cyber-threat-to-be-reckoned-with/. article, social media is a soft power that gives the chance for anybody to utilise.
One of the most popular areas of the internet where the term stan is highly linked with is the world of K-pop. Unhealthy parasocial interactions between celebrities and their fans are enabled by supporters’ fascination with superstars and their personal lives alike. A parasocial connection is one in which a person fantasises about having a relationship with someone they do not know, such as a celebrity or some imagined character.
Parasocial connections are common in K-pop because of the intense fandom culture and tight interactions between idols and followers made possible by numerous media channels of communication. Fans may have a strong emotional attachment to their beloved idols, even if the idols are not personally aware of their existence. This bond is reinforced by elements such as fan gatherings, concerts, social media contacts, and reality shows that reveal insights into the life of Kpop idols- thus making people overfamiliar with them, as if they know them in real life.
K-pop agencies and management businesses frequently invest in developing a bond between idols and followers. They use techniques such as fan club memberships, exclusive content, and fan events to make fans develop a connection to their favourite celebrities. As idols frequently share personal updates and connect with followers through various mediums such as, Twitter, Instagram, and V Live (a South Korean live streaming service), they play a crucial role in cultivating and harbouring these parasocial, and sometimes unhealthy, interactions.
While we welcome the discussion of mental health in modern society, it is crucial to recognise the mental health concerns that might occur because of the obsessive stan culture that many young people today are surrounded with. Intense parasocial relationships with K-pop idols can lead to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. It can also aggravate pre-existing mental health issues if people become unduly engrossed in the lives of these celebrities or experience a loss of control over their own emotions.
Whilst the toxicity of stan culture is prevalent in K-pop, it is definitely not restricted to it. These toxic extremes in the name of being a ‘fan’ can happen to all celebrities. On one extreme, you have the tragic story of musician Christina Grimmie who died in the hands of an obsessive fan whilst at her meet on greet on tour. A former “The Voice” contestant and Selena Gomez’s friend and backup vocalist, Grimmie was tragically slain by a gunshot wound on the 10th of June 2016, following her show in Orlando, Florida. http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2016/images/06/22/grimmie.investigative.supplement.pdf According to his friend, Despite following her on social media, Loibl did not have a Facebook, Twitter, or other social media accounts. It is believed that he thought if he couldn’t have her, no one should.
Whilst the internet is critical to distinguish between being a devoted fan and participating in poisonous stan culture. Fans can show their admiration in a healthy and respectful way without engaging in hazardous behaviour. To mitigate the bad consequences of stan culture, fan communities must promote kindness, empathy, and critical thinking.