Jean Baudrillard talks of hyperreality, where representations of reality become more influential than reality itself. In this context, online discourse has a greater impact on shaping perceptions of the fandom than in-person interactions, exacerbating divisions and tensions. Fandom experiences a generational trauma, evident in the increasingly toxic behaviours experienced online. As a result, participation in the fandom is changing, leading to a fundamental question: What will this para-religious structure look like in the next ten years? How will it evolve both online and offline? Further research in this area is essential.
Within the larger fandom, a growing divide has tangible consequences. Digital interactions have led to heightened mental health concerns. Toxicity in fandoms has escalated, creating friction among individuals unlikely to meet offline. This too is a contributing factor to the rise of fandamentalism, producing uncomfortable experiences for many. The dogmatic nature of particular online discourse and reactions to new material reflects deeper societal issues.
For instance, Princess Leia’s role in the original trilogy is multifaceted: introduced as a damsel in distress, she quickly becomes a leader, surpassing the main male protagonist—a detail often overlooked by a large section of first-generation male fans. Her appearance in the metal bikini in Return of the Jedi sparked the fetishisation of “Slave Leia,” which persists today. In today’s context, this phenomenon can be seen as fuelling both toxic masculinity and feminist empowerment, firmly contributing to discussions rooted in culture-war and counter-culture war.
My fandom is a place where I reclaim freedom from daily stress, immersing myself in an alternate, fictional reality that offers comfort and respite. As real-life pressures encroach on this space, finding balance becomes increasingly difficult. When fandom, as a last refuge, comes under attack, it could spark an even greater backlash, ultimately signalling its demise as a place of escape.
This post is adapted from my doctorate research on the intersection of religiosity and fandom.