Idol–Fan Emotional Projection and Collective Identity in the Digital Era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61173/5ng2nb84Keywords:
Idol, identity projection, parasocial interaction, social media, fandomAbstract
In today’s digital age, idols are not only entertainers but also play an important role in how fans feel and build identity. This study looks at how fans project their own emotions and self-ideas onto idols, and how online communities make these processes stronger. The research uses two methods: a semi-structured interview with a college student fan, and content analysis of Weibo comments after Nene announced her relationship with Bright in April 2024. The interview shows how an idol’s story can influence personal choices and support identity building, while the community data shows how fans reacted with both disappointment and acceptance. The findings suggest idols can be emotional supports, but if their private lives do not meet fans’ expectations, fans may feel hurt and may face identity crises. Some fans leave, some stay but change the way they support, and some rebuild by turning to other idols. This case shows that idol–fan relationships are dynamic, shaped by both individual feelings and online group interactions.
References
[1] Smutradontri P, Gadavanij S. Fandom and identity construction: An analysis of Thai fans’ engagement with Twitter. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2020, 7: 177.
[2] Castells M. The Rise of the Network Society. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2000.
[3] Herman E S, McChesney R W. Global Media: The New Missionaries of Global Capitalism. London: Cassell, 1997.
[4] Yu G M. The Communication Logic and Social Impact of Short Videos. Journal of Communication University of China (Science and Technology), 2021, 43(3): 1-7.
[5] Zhang Y, Liu H. The Communication of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage on TikTok: Current Situation, Effects and Challenges. Journal of Cross-Cultural Communication, 2023, 18(2): 45-62.
[6] Li J, Wang Q. The Superficialization of Historical and Cultural Communication in the Short Video Era. Chinese Journal of Communication, 2022, 15(4): 78-95.
[7] Wang N. Research on Cross-Cultural Communication Paths of Folk Culture in the Digital Age. Journal of International Communication, 2022, 44(5): 89-105.
[8] Peng L. New Media User Research: Node-like, Mediated, and Cyborg-like Individuals. Beijing: China Renmin University Press, 2020.
[9] Zhao J, Chen Y. Short Video Subtitle Translation and Cross- Cultural Communication Effects. Translation Quarterly, 2023, 38(1): 29-46.
[10] China Internet Network Information Center. Report on Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings in Short Video Communication. Beijing: China Internet Network Information Center, 2023.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 by the authors.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
