The Cult of Stan Culture (with Amanda Montell)
A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein
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The Cult of Fandom: Navigating Online Harassment and Loyalty
This chapter explores the toxic culture of online harassment stemming from Gamergate, particularly targeting female developers, and connects it to modern fandom phenomena. It delves into the psychological dynamics of stan culture, likening fan loyalty to religious zeal, while examining the emotional voids such communities fill for individuals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy and self-reflection in confronting the complexities of fandom and the extreme behaviors it can incite.
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