stan culture

A Deep Dive Into Stan Culture

Kimberly Vazquez, Columbia College Chicago

Despite its unflattering origins, the term “stan” has become a badge of honor to many fans who have dedicated their lives to promoting and defending their artists — by any means necessary. …

August 31, 2023

In an article about the new Amazon Prime series "Swarm," a drawing of the characters played by guest star Billie Eilish and lead actress Dominique Fishback, as well as series creator Donald Glover.

Swarm Brings a Lot of Buzz, but it Doesn’t Quite Hit the Mark

Elizabeth Fulton, Emory University

The new Amazon Prime Video series is more interested in shallow celebrity references than its main character's emotional development.…

June 29, 2023

stan wearing and holding BTS merchandise

Stan Culture: Is This Level of Investment Healthy or Harmful?

Meredith Granmayeh, Chapman University

In an increasingly online world, the line between enthusiasm and obsession in fan communities has become blurred.…

June 7, 2022

An illustration of a MCYT fan sitting in a Minecraft-like environment

Minecraft YouTube (MCYT) Is Fertile Ground for Parasocial Relationships

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Some of these influencers' platforms foster harmful attachments between themselves and their impressionable young fans.…

July 11, 2021

In an article about stan culture, a photo of a phone's screen with social media apps on it

Stan Culture Is Nothing More Than Crazed Internet Bullying

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

The world of social media is often full of indignity. It offers an oasis of cruelty just as much as it offers an oasis of opportunity and information-seeking. It perpetuates the rise of bullies.…

February 10, 2021

Internet ‘Stan’ Culture Needs To Get Rid of Its Cult Mentality

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The increased presence of celebrities on social media sometimes makes people think they are closer to their favorites than they are. This can have serious consequences.…

October 13, 2020

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