3 Benefits of Fandoms for Teens ―and How to Promote the Right Ones
Fandoms are not something new ―they’ve been around since Jane Austen’s time, and even in the earliest days of Sherlock Holmes saw some public demonstrations over the fictional character. Fandoms are great because they allow like-minded people to bond without much effort, making it easier for introverts, for example, to make friends and be more sociable.
However, the era of social media made fandoms more intense, leading to people (especially teenagers) writing their own fanfiction pieces about their favorite characters, making cosplays at events, and editing movie snippets on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
Fandoms can sometimes become toxic, contributing to bullying, as some people feel entitled or superior to others over their opinions on movies, songs, and even celebrities. This might also be the case since fandoms mostly consist of teenagers and young adults, so parents should be wary of these risks. Still, fandoms can also be beneficial.
Fandoms can nurture a sense of identity
Watching a TV series and relating to a character’s story is common nowadays, especially since directors and creators creatively portray a person’s struggles. When it comes to teens’ movies and shows, it’s easier for them to relate to some stories since they’re visualizing a version of their own.
Well, even if it can sometimes be difficult to relate to characters from Vampire Diaries, such shows can impact teens by showing them in detail different aspects of life. Since this is also a challenging period for them in which they discover themselves, fandoms of their favorite media piece can help them answer important questions about their personality, what they like, and what they don’t.
Such fandoms start even earlier when kids like the same cartoon character, such as Miffy, because they relate to the little rabbit’s adventures and like to bond over something comforting. And who wouldn’t want their kids to share her traits of kindness and friendship?
Fandoms support having diverse interests
Teenagers’ interests are usually influenced by a myriad of things, which is why they sometimes get obsessed with a hobby. Since we live in the age of social media, anything from popular artists to movies and shows can determine their next interest, and that’s okay.
Taylor Swift is fond of DIY and home crafting, Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl is into fundraising charity events, and Kylian Mbappé is a fan of tennis, basketball, and skiing. Following the fandoms around these people and characters can help teens discover what they would like to do in their free time, which includes activities that don’t involve phone use.
The power of fandoms is much more important in the real world than we’d think. We mentioned Miffy before. You can check out the kids’ character for events at https://miffytown.com/, but did you know she became a mascot for ecological mitigations?
Fandoms help teens feel like they belong somewhere
We all know how it feels when you’re a teenager and feel like you don’t belong anywhere. This can happen especially within their families, but also at school or in their friends’ group. The “crisis of belonging” can go on later in life, especially when educators and parents fail to provide security and understanding.
This is where fandoms come in and help teens navigate their strongest emotions by offering virtual spaces of communication. Some teen shows tackle sensitive subjects, such as class differences, community service, and unreliable parents, like Gilmore Girls.
Since numerous social media groups and fandoms exist for every show and movie, teens sometimes find it easier to discuss such topics with like-minded people than with their parents because they don’t feel judged. These places can nurture that feeling of belonging, and teens can learn valuable things about life.
However, not all fandoms are good
Unfortunately, given their age, teens can become obsessed with celebrities or other sources of entertainment, which can be detrimental to their mental health in the long run. Toxic fandoms are prominent in bigger media like Star Wars, where people seem to always be dissatisfied with the art, so they make it everyone’s problem.
These are some places teens should avoid, especially since some “fans” threaten those with different opinions than them. Such hate groups turn into stans, an excessively devoted fan, as we’ve seen in the BTS Army culture, which is very vocal and aggressive, and it can be difficult to escape them.
At this point, if you know your teens are watching shows with massive fanbases, it’s best to have a talk before or during their engagements with online fans to ensure they’re not victims of bullying. Some people are great at attacking others on social media, so make sure your teens know what could happen if they interact with the wrong people online. Maybe direct them to social media channels with less popularity so they’re less exposed to aggressive fans.
Being part of a fandom as a parent
Although it may sound silly to become part of a fandom as an adult, sharing your teens’ interests is one of the easiest and best ways to bond with them. If they like the music of a certain artist or are fans of a show, you could take some time to engage with the content.
Being part of fandoms online is also helpful in analyzing such communities and being more in touch with your teens’ likes. These activities give you plenty of subjects to discuss, and they can stir important discussions you’d struggle to develop otherwise. Your teens are humans, too, with feelings and dreams, so entering these little worlds where they feel safer and connected will help your job as a parent.
What do you think about teens’ fandoms?
Fandoms are great ways for fans of a show or an artist to bond over what they admire about the media, making it easy to communicate and learn from others. Teens are the most likely to join these fandoms, and they can benefit from hobbies, social interaction, and self-discovery. However, fandoms can become toxic, so it’s best to monitor fandom activities occasionally to prevent bullying.
