Being a fan of a celebrity, show, book or movie can lead one to a community that shares the same interest. Whether you geek out over "The Hunger Games," or you cheer for Sabrina Carpenter, you are still a fan with fandom, but you do not have to be in the fandom of what you are a fan of. This might be the easiest way to keep peace with what you love. Obsession can be the root cause of a fandom that has grown toxic.
People often claim a fandom is toxic because of the uproar and divide that fans have over an object of the fandom. People will argue over celebrities’ exes, character choices, favorite celebrities or favorite books.
Toxicity in fandoms also forms when “ship-wars” occur or when a fandom bands together to hate on another fandom or a specific idea. These can be the biggest cause of a divide in a fandom, and people believe one person is right while another is wrong. This can be a bigger divide when fans are hopeful for an outcome, even if it is not “canon” or what is true to the original story.
In fandoms, fans have noticed that other fans are protective of their favorite celebrities or characters, which can cause many debates. In fandoms related to K-pop groups, it is known that the singers or idols, do not date. Fans argue that their attraction towards their favorite idol means they should date them.
Izzy Krieg, a freshman studying mechanical engineering, said, “Everyone is being like, ‘they’re idols, they can’t date, so they have to date me.’”
It seems that fandoms grow toxic as fans get more comfortable and personal. If there is a lot of content available for a show or a celebrity, it may create a false one-sided connection for the fan. When fans feel territorial, threats can follow.
It can also be a result of a celebrity and their actions. That connection can be easily lost when a celebrity is deemed controversial.
“If they’re bad people, we shouldn’t be here celebrating them,” Krieg said.
When fans get comfortable, they tend to share ideas that cause other fans to feel uncomfortable. Fans may decide to leave a space when the fandom goes against the ideas and source material.
“I watch a decent amount of anime, and there are definitely some anime fandoms that are a little freaking wacky,” Jordan York, a freshman studying integrated science education, said.
Fan art also plays an interesting role in fandoms, sometimes adding to their toxicity.
“There’s some really weird fan art out there, shipping different characters in really interesting ways,” York said.
Deeming a fandom toxic means that the fans have taken their fandom too far. This could be anything from making threats, arguing or turning a typically welcoming space uncomfortable. You are still allowed to enjoy a show without being involved in the fandom, but regardless, fandoms will always evolve and grow to be either welcoming or toxic.
