The Return and Fulfillment of Emotional Needs of Chinese Female University Students Behind the Fan Economy Phenomenon

Abstract

With the rapid development of social media today, the fan economy has become an important part of the cultural industry, especially with a significant influence on female university students. This paper aims to explore the emotional needs of Chinese female university students behind the phenomenon of the fan economy and the deep logic of how these emotional needs are fulfilled through interactions with idols, as well as the social and psychological impacts of this phenomenon on them. The study delves into the multiple emotional deficiencies experienced by university students, how emotional compensation is achieved through symbolic interaction, and how this symbolic compensation strengthens fan loyalty, leading to the monetization of the fan economy. Through a quantitative survey and SPSS data analysis, the study found that university students reported higher emotional satisfaction, enriched emotional experiences, and improved feelings of alienation, security, and interpersonal relationships after engaging in fan behavior. The process of idol worship brought significant emotional value, with idols reflecting self-realization. In turn, this helped complete the students’ identity construction and clarified future development goals, fulfilling individual needs. The conclusion is that the fan economy, to a large extent, serves as a way for fans to please themselves, improve themselves, and advance their personal development.