What Superfans Know That the Rest of Us Should Learn

🌈 Abstract

The article explores the phenomenon of people finding deep meaning, community, and joy in their passionate hobbies and fandoms, from "Star Wars" to the Grateful Dead. It examines how these intense interests can provide a sense of belonging and fulfillment that may be lacking in other areas of life, and how they are becoming more important to people than traditional institutions like religion.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Importance of Hobbies and Fandoms

1. What are some examples of people finding joy and community through their passionate hobbies and fandoms?

• Joe Blake and Missy Gosbee bonded over their shared love of "Star Wars", including having 12 lightsabers and getting married on May the Fourth
• May Naidoo traveled to see real-life versions of artworks from his favorite Nintendo game "Animal Crossing"
• Kathryn Chung, the "U.K.'s Biggest Disney Fan", finds comfort and a sense of magical escape in her Disney fandom

2. How are hobbies and recreational activities becoming more important to people than religion?

• According to a 2023 Gallup poll, over 60% of Americans said hobbies/recreational activities were extremely or very important to them, up from 48% in 2001-2002
• Meanwhile, the share of people who said the same about religion dropped 7 percentage points, to 58%

3. How does the "collective effervescence" experienced in fandoms and hobbies compare to religious experiences?

• The euphoric, almost telepathic connection felt when a crowd sways in unison to a beloved song can feel transcendent, similar to religious experiences
• This shared emotional experience provides a sense of community and belonging that may be lacking in people's lives

4. What are the risks and challenges of deeply investing oneself in a fandom or hobby?

• Joining a fandom requires vulnerability, as one has to latch onto something outside of their control and make it part of their identity
• Fans may feel disappointed, sad, or torn if the object of their fandom is later criticized or revealed to have flaws, as seen with Tara Block's experience with the "Harry Potter" series

[02] The Meaning and Escapism of Fandoms

1. How did fandoms and pop culture provide a sense of escape and meaning for people like Alex Goldschmidt?

• Growing up gay in a small town, Goldschmidt imagined being friends with the celebrities he idolized, like Taylor Swift, which provided an escape
• Counting down to new album releases from Swift gave Goldschmidt a sense of excitement and momentum in his life

2. What insights did the article provide about the role of fandoms and hobbies in people's lives?

• Fandoms and hobbies can provide a sense of community, belonging, and joy that may be lacking in other areas of people's lives, such as religion, work, and social connections
• These intense interests can become a central part of people's identities and a way to find meaning and transcendent experiences