Toxic Fandoms: Social Media and Why it’s Difficult To Be a Fan Today

Written By: Kristen MacKenzie 

Copyright: 2021

Fan bases should leave a sense of community. Where people share their love of music for a band, group or artist & experiences of concerts and meet & greets. Not where people are turned away at the door for whatever reason. That's not a community. Take it from someone who knows! But what does it mean to be a fan these days? Especially, in the sphere of social media? As someone who once ran a fan group on Facebook, one thing I learned is: Responsible admins always cater not only to fans, but also to the bands, groups and artists they promote. Think of it as Public Relations: a page that promotes an upcoming project, music video and/or album. However, being a fan can be difficult in the age of social media. After private conversations over Twitter, I encountered I wasn’t alone in being blocked by an Instagram page claiming to promote a band from Finland. One, I was newly familiar with. A page I myself had ZERO interaction with, but became aware of only to find myself blocked for reasons still unknown. In this environment of COVID 19, the need for community is essential. Respectively, as our society found itself secluded during various mandatory lockdowns. Away from friends & loved ones, through most of 2020 and 2021. Social media therefore became the number one source of entertainment and social interaction during extended periods of quarantine. Exacerbating an already growing mental health crisis during the pandemic. So to discover an online profile has been participating in alienating those looking for community, it made me reach out within the fanbase seeking answers. What I discovered during my conversations with those online and while researching for this blog piece, is a growing trend of toxicity within various fanbases.

As we all know, music is an international language that brings people together. If I’ve learned anything during my time on social media it’s whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; social media is also a breeding ground for rampant negativity thriving on easy drama. But what does this have to do with music? Observantly, there are a number of online profiles with no real substance to them. Except for Liking and Retweeting ALL the same Likes & Retweets as the profile(s) someone is following. Including original posted content. Of course, a real fan page is meant to do all this. Part of running an actual fan page is a job of promotion. But what about those who display obsessive behaviour? Celebrity Worship Syndrome (or CWS). is an obsessive addictive disorder where a person becomes overly involved with the details of a celebrity’s personal or professional life. In the same way some become obsessed with film, sports, television or pop stars. The only common factor linking these together, is each of these figures are in the public eye. In a 2015 article posted to Medium, writer Ruby Siegel wrote an op-ed about Celebrity Obsession in partnership with social media. The article commented on our modern day relationship with online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook & Instagram and our culture of celebrity fascination. Along with how these sites play a role in how we communicate with our favorite celebrity or entertainer. The article splits itself into 4 categories. From what it means to be a “Fan Girl” to the conclusion on how celebrity culture has inundated our everyday lives, with not only the 24hr news cycle but also how a small band of stalkers use these platforms to ride the coattails of those with fame in order to build their own brand. Or, clout chasers. In 2016, keyboardist for the Finnish band Nightwish; Tuomas Holopainen gave an interview to Louder Magazine where he was asked: “What was the strangest thing a fan has ever done for you?” In a transcript of the article, Tuomas stated:

“There was one woman who wanted to marry me so badly that she actually sent me a certificate of her divorce, and she had already booked a church. I’d met her once before, and this was truly scary – I kinda ignored her and she got really, really pissed off. I told her it was too weird for me, but when I got to my hotel room, there was a message slid under my door that had some pretty nasty words in it.”

In early 2021, former drummer of the Love Metal band HIM (and current member of Flat Earth) Mika Karppinen (a.k.a.“Gas Lipstick”), gave an interview to The Closed Door Podcast where he reiterated a story (previously told by HIM frontman Ville Valo) about a time when a deranged, intoxicated fan attacked Ville with a pair of scissors. Clipping off a piece of his hair. While cases like these remain fortunately rare, for some people these types of obsessions have only amplified due to social media. And some even stranger obsessions, go past an odd fascination with rock star’s and their hair! For most performers, Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll (a term intially invented by a Life Magazine article in 1969, then adopted by British singer Ian Dury of Ian Dury and The Blockheads in 1977; for the album “New Boots and Panties!!!”) quickly became a gimmick. Unfortunately, most fans of rock n’ roll believe in the myth because of biographies written by musicians such as Nikki Sixx (guitarist of the band Motley Crue) and films that have come out in recent decades such as “Rock Star '' in 2001. Including “The Dirt'' (which aired on Netflix in 2019). To correct some of these misconceptions, a March 2020 online article published by Kerrang Magazine, opened up about the real life personalities of shock rockers. Revealing the more wholesome and normal side of entertainers. The article featured names such as Rob Zombie, Tobias Forge (a.k.a. Ghost), Shawn Crahan (aka: Clown of the band Slipknot), legendary singer Alice Cooper, King Diamond, Dani Filth (of Cradle of Filth) among others. Of course the private side of an entertainer doesn’t outweigh the countless number of stories that have emerged over the decades. Especially about some of rock’s most notorious personalities and many of their on or off stage antics. The Doors frontman Jim Morrison for example, has been the subject of many biographies and depictions over the years. Not only for his music, his poetry, but also his private life. A man who endeared himself with mythic status for fans and groupies alike while alive and after his passing. A cult icon of profound intelligence and sexual hedonism to match. An image many especially within rock n’ roll dare to imitate but some never get close to replicating. In 2017, an article published to Psypost.org examined a study conducted by the Human Ethology Bulletin as to the actual truth behind the term “Sex, Drugs & Rock N’ Roll”. Author of the study, Melissa A. Harrison of Penn State University in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania explained about the research:

“I am a behavioral scientist trained in bio-evolutionary mechanisms, and I have performed and greatly appreciated music for a very long time. Being a child of the 1980s, ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ was seemingly a phenomenon taken as truth,”

Adding:

“I wanted to, with evidence, determine if the relationship indeed does exist. I brought my colleague and fellow scientist Dr. Hughes into the project for her knowledge of endocrine processes and her statistical savvy.”

Those who volunteered for the study reported their alcohol & drug use, sexual history and attitudes along with personal music preferences. What the study found was a correlation between how human men & women interact with one another in accordance with harder sounding music. As compared to how animal species (such as certain types of birds), network when it comes to breeding choices based on song. The study also went on to note that depending on the variables, though simply an interrelated phenomenon; the results overall weren’t that strong. Even with those who participated in the study. Ms. Harrison stated: “If we had an increased number of musicians in our sample, the results might be different.”

Adding:

“The results were relatively weak, although they were congruent with those from a few similar studies,” Further mentioning... “Also, we need to consider that SDRR (or sex, drugs and rock n’ roll) might have once existed more strongly, but may be diminishing over time. People today appear to be more aware of the dangers of substance use and might refrain {from them}. More research is needed.”

In the world of celebrity culture, none are greater than rock stars. A 2015 Medium article explored why people “fall in love with rock stars” and the seemingly unnatural obsession some have with musicians. The article discovered while some refer to musicians as “role models”, based on an entertainer’s success and those striving to emulate them; two of the column’s opening points referenced “The Halo Effect” and “Prestige” with being a “rock star”. The article further examined differences between the art & artist, how people acquire fame and the commercialization of celebrity. With an emphasis on how “sex sells” while also highlighting what it means to be an “idol”, in today’s media landscape. With tabloid news services such as TMZ churning out stories daily on reality television stars such as Paris Hilton & Kim Kardashian and celebrity love lives. The last point discusses the sexual relationship between rock stars and the general public. With a link to a study conducted in 2014 by The Royal Society for Journalism & Publishing, about how women’s menstrual cycle phase alters their sexual preferences when it comes to composers and more complex music choices. In reference to Darwin, the article states:

“Musical notes and rhythm were first acquired by the male or female progenitors of mankind for the sake of charming the opposite sex”.

Just as social media is a haven for toxicity, so is something called “Stan Culture”. A term defined as: an extremely or excessively enthusiastic and devoted fan. As social media has delivered us many different trends both culturally & politically, from amusing to xenophobic; the most dangerous of all is “Stan Culture”. A subject discussed in August 2020 by the North Texas Daily News (and depicted in the Eminem 2009 single “Stan”). In my private conversations online, no one I feel matches this more than a certain nameless person (who I’ll refer to as “Regina George” for the sake of this piece). What initially began as cordial, quickly turned sour after a DM conversation over a disagreement about a specific rock star. In the process of writing this, I initially was going to describe in detail my encounter with this now former online-only acquaintance and the events that transpired up to & during the month of August 2021. Such consternation is unnecessary now as I’m moving on from it! “Regina” on the other hand, appears trapped in a state of mythomania. I just hope “Regina” seeks psychological help. Before finding herself permanently suspended from social media. Or, on the other end of a defamation of character lawsuit! Yet this incident however, is not my first encounter with bullying inside a fanbase. In my younger (Elementary school) years, I endured harassment as a fan of the Backstreet Boys. As a once devoted fan, I found myself among those who resented my fanship. Those who made my life a living hell enough during Grade school, also tormented me for liking a pop group; others I knew (some I didn’t) liked as well. Looking back, I never thought I’d find myself facing an almost similar mentality. In a completely different genre of music! Now I’m not going on a tirade to say all Rock & Heavy Metal fans are toxic. Quite the opposite!! I’ve encountered some lovely people within the fanbase. As someone who formerly ran a fan group on Facebook (and walked away from it. I wasn’t thrown out; as some will falsely claim); I encountered many who appreciated that band for their music alone. How it got them through many personal struggles in their life. Moments of loneliness, depression, a family member passing on, rough days at work or school, family crisis/issues, breakups, etc. On the other hand, a reddit post from 2012 discussed the type of aggressiveness some have unfortunately encountered while being a fan of harder music. So what exactly describes a toxic fanbase? A post on the site Quora illustrates the traits of a toxic fanbase:

Sexualizing every aspect of a person(s) of interest. Not just physically; every sound is a moan and every thought is a procreation.

Forums made specially to bitch about other fandoms (i.e. Reddit).

Members consider themselves belonging to some higher intellectual group.

Phrases such as “Me vs. Normal People” or “while the rest of the world”.

Lots of women or teenage girls calling the male constituents “husband”

Fanfiction with the tag: Protagonist/y/n.

Campaign for bashing any person who dares to point out their toxicity

Other characteristics recognized in toxic fanbases were articulated as:

Discussing pseudo-religious “god-like” status of certain people within the entertainment industry.

Possessiveness over people / thing who’s fandom they are a part of

‘Cancelling’ anyone who talks badly of their idols

Feeling a sense of superiority over people who are not in their fandom

Feeling entitled when it comes to the person/thing they are a fan of.

Examples in recent years of unhinged and virulent fanbases have been the overwhelming response from fans of South Korean pop group, BTS. Fans of the pop idols have been known for their zealous behaviour, especially over social media. A 2019 New York Post article entitled: “How BTS Mania Spawned a Toxic K-pop Fanbase That Attacked Me Online”, detailed the zeal of the group’s fans. However, the music world and pop culture in general are not immune to the pandemonim of fans. During the 1960’s, fans went wild for the Beatles. Even placing blame on both Linda McCartney & Yoko Ono for the break up of the band. An argument which continues to this day. A decade earlier, saw the explosion of Elvis mania and prior to him; mayhem over musicians such as Jerry Lee Lewis. In recent years, “Beliebers'' otherwise known as fans of Justin Bieber, have been known for their staunch devotion to their pop star. In 2013, an article posted to NYU Local entitled “Something Happened with Justin Bieber Again and Beliebers Are Scary” exclaimed:

Since the introduction of the radio there have been rabid fan followings of certain artists and groups like the Beliebers, but the Internet has changed what it means to be part of a fan club. The unparalleled interaction allowed between fans and celebrities from YouTube, Twitter and Instagram creates a constant meeting between a band and its brand. Allowing people to be really alarmingly devoted to musicians. Pop stars likely keep playing into this system because their massive Internet following provides an incredible way to market themselves: when Bieber needs a song promoted. He asks his fans on Twitter to help him out and they respond in droves. Many of Bieber’s Twitter followers actively promote his albums and movies without even being asked.

This type of fan fixation unfortunately can ruin a celebrity's career. Or even change how they interact with the public in general. According to the Daily Titan, a psychological assessment conducted by Psychology Today revealed 3 different types of CWS (or Celebrity Worship Syndrome): entertainment-social, intense-personal and borderline pathological.

Entertainment-social refers to fans who like certain celebrities because they entertain and can be talked about with other people who also find them interesting.

Intense-personal is a degree of the worship syndrome where fanatics have “intense and compulsive feelings” about a celebrity.

Borderline pathological, describes admirers who go so far as to obsess and create fantasies about a celebrity.

So what are toxic fandoms and what creates them? According to the ReelRundown, there are 2 ways of defining a fanbase’s legitimacy.

Good fandom is healthy and appreciative. Good fans support each other in a collaborative community. They work to build each other up. Toxic fandom is the opposite. It is when fans attack other fans with purity tests…. Toxic fans are essentially the abusive party in an abusive relationship with the content they're a fan of. This tends to happen when they feel they are the "true" fans, and other people are fake, poseurs, or casual fans. People with mainstream tastes usually feel the brunt of their anger. For example, an intense Star Trek fan might wrinkle their nose when learning someone has only watched the original series, without seeing every episode of all the other series, and doesn't speak Klingon. Conventions and fan clubs, fortunately, tend to kick out people like this. Unfortunately, this just intensifies the bullies' feelings that they are being persecuted.

The article also cites ingredients for toxic fandom: Possessiveness, entitlement, and a feeling of superiority.

Possessiveness: meaning certain ‘fans’ feel they own the content they're fans of. They’ll act like it belongs to only them. Seeing the thing they're fans of as territory or property to own. This may also include stealing other people’s material or content creation, such as videos and / or images in relation to what a person is a fan of. Meanwhile non-toxic fans are respectful. Recognizing & appreciating something without a sense of entitlement or ownership.

Entitlemen:t going right along with Possessiveness. Creators must do whatever they demand.

Lastly, is the feeling of superiority. Toxic fans feel superior to other fans who are less intense/obsessive. And often labeled the less intense/obsessive as 'casuals'. They feel above non-fans. Toxic fans complain about exchanges where they share their passion with non or casual fans. They consider such people dumb and shallow, unable to "get it", whatever "it" is. Not smart enough to understand and fully appreciate the thing they're fans of.

The most sympathetic individual is able to recognize some within fan bases, as having been victims of bullying in their lives. Where they felt excluded growing up. Thereby making their devotion to a type of entertainment, more impactful. Becoming a deeply rooted part of their lives & identity. In extremely rare instances the most psychologically victimized individual can/will likely bully others. Continuing the cycle of violence, making the tormented individual hyper-vigilant and paranoid. Over-reacting to criticisms of either themselves, or things they like. The internet can be a lonely & ‘evil’ place. Enforcing signs of “social media depression” among users. Those in and outside of the public eye have begun swearing off online platforms, due to the toxic landscape. Toxic fandom doesn’t appear to be a phenomenon that will slow down anytime soon. The question is however, what can we do about it? A recent 2021 Esquire magazine op-ed asked that very question. Noting the out of control behaviour of fans, especially in relation to social media. The article goes on to write:

We get it. Many of us are entertained and comforted by certain personalities and the work that they do. From Elvis Presley and the Beatles to BTS and Taylor Swift artists and musicians have made our hearts sing and lifted our spirits in a way that perhaps even our closest family members and friends never could. And so we feel protective of them and become defensive when they’re on the receiving end of some pretty nasty trash talk. We obsess over movies, TV shows, and musicals—everything from The Office and RuPaul’s Drag Race to Rick & Morty and can’t help it when others don’t seem to “get it” or choose to make what we feel are unfair critical points.

The article concludes with this piece of advice:

The point is, it’s time for toxic fandoms to turn off their screens and take a good long look at themselves in the black mirror. They should be fans who know where to draw the line between support and pressure; who understand what it means to let the people they choose to influence them do their thing and not let what others think of them cloud their own judgment; and who can accept that a true fan will never intentionally hurt anybody else in the name of their favorites.

As I began at the start of this piece: fan bases should leave a sense of community. Where people share their love of music for a band, group or artist & experiences of concerts and meet & greets. Not where people are turned away at the door for whatever reason. That's not a community. Take it from someone who knows! Well, as someone who knows; there’s no such thing as community anymore. No one has the monopoly on what it means to be a fan. Being a fan should be for all the right reasons. Not all the wrong ones!!! Being a fan is not a competition!!! As 2021 slowly comes to a close, I’ve officially decided to disassociate myself from any fan bases now and in the future. In my own life, I’ve had very few artists, groups or bands become chapters holding meaning to me. And while I’m still trying to figure out what that is (or will be) with one of the current bands I enjoy; each time something has become important to me, something (or someone) has always been there waiting to try & take that away from me. At least that’s how it feels. Music is an integral part of our lives. It assists us in escaping the stresses of everyday life. According to AARP “Research shows music has a beneficial effect on brain chemicals such as dopamine. Which is linked to feelings of pleasure and oxytocin, or the ‘love hormone’. There is moderate evidence music also helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” Social media is destructive enough with the bullying that exists on it. Everyone should be able to participate without fear or the feeling of being driven out by anyone with an insecure need to create drama!!!

One of the most powerful things about pop culture is its ability to entertain and inspire us even for a limited amount of time. These modern - day idols - the people we put on a pedestal - do that for many of us, especially during the last year when we all needed an escape from reality. The least we can do is channel that joy and positivity back to the world.

-(Quote by Paul John Cana: Esquire Magazine)

Special Thank You’s:

A special thank you to the bands, groups and artists who inspire me currently and those who have inspired me over the years. A major thank you to the haters who inspired me to write this and those who helped me find my voice. Lastly, I want to publicly commend and applaud all the genuine fan groups and pages out there, working diligently to provide true (and casual) fans all the updated news & information going on in the world which you promote. Know you are greatly appreciated for all your hard work. From one former fan page creator and manager to another (whoever may be reading this), keep up the fantastic work. You’re the lifeblood which keeps everything flowing smoothly.

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