Stan Twitter

Stan Twitter refers to communities of users on Twitter that share posts and comments surrounding pop culture, celebrities, movies, music, social media, and even sports. The communities are known for their shared terminology and use of language on the internet. However, they are also known for their constant involvement in online harassment, cyber-bullying, and doxing. Though meant origingally for fans to support their favorite celebrities and artists, Stan Twitter has grown to become a divisive online community that holds a large presence in almost every aspect of Twitter. (Wikipedia)

Origin

As a result of the information age, fans now have access to their favorite artists right at their fingertips. Especially in an age of oversharing, platforms like Twitter allow fans to constantly know what their favorite artists are up to and even directly interact with them. The term “Stan Twitter” is a combination of the two words “fan” and “stalker”. It was first coined in an Eminem song called “Stan” in 2000. The song was about an obsessive Eminem fan and how his behavior ruined his relationships. Though the original meaning of the word was for people who are obsessive, it has grown to become a “badge of honor” for fans who are willing to go above and beyond to show their commitment and love for their favorite artists (NPR) Stan Twitter isn’t just on Twitter, however. Stan culture is prevalent in every social media platform, including Instagram and Facebook. Even though the term has stayed relevant twenty years later, it has developed into a phenomenon that has implications beyond just social media and into the real world and real lives (Inquirer).

summary

Being a “super fan” is associated with problematic internet use, maladaptive daydreaming, and desire for fame. Individuals reach this level of obsession due to the nature of media, specifically social media. Internet celebrities may share posts that contain intimate or emotionally intense content, making fans feel like they are a part of their lives. This creates a relationship that is not one-to-one, where the consumer spends time viewing the content, feeling like a part of the creator’s life, while the creator has no concept of who this other person is. “Parasocial interaction” describes this phenomenon. It has been present through various forms of media such as TV, movies, sports, and the internet. While there are many problems associated with these obsessions, they allow the general population to form communities. These communities are prevalent in sports, as groups of people will go far to show their support for a team.