A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein The Cult of Stan Culture (with Amanda Montell)
4 snips
Sep 26, 2024 
Amanda Montell, an author and host of the Sounds Like a Cult podcast, dives into the dark side of stan culture and online harassment. She explores how fan communities, like Taylor Swift's, co-opt aggressive tactics seen in far-right movements, while also examining the psychological impacts of extreme fandom. The conversation highlights the challenges of celebrity activism and public perception, illustrating the thin line between admiration and obsession. Montell's insights reveal the emotional voids these fandoms fill and the need for empathy in navigating modern fan dynamics.
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Origins of Stan Twitter
- Stan Twitter originated from pop musician fandoms growing into zealous online communities.
- These fans engage in organized streaming, award voting, and aggressive defense of their idols.
Cancel Culture's Transformation
- Cancel culture began as social justice activism on Black Twitter.
- Stan Twitter has appropriated it as a tool for harassment and censorship aimed at idol critics.
Celebrity Worship Fills Spiritual Void
- Celebrity worship has increased significantly with declining traditional religious influence.
- People seek community and spirituality in fandoms, filling emotional and social voids.
