"For the Idol": A Study on Fans' Perception, Identification and Developmental Participation in Fan Support Activities
| Type | Master's Thesis |
|---|---|
| Publish Date | |
| University | Tsinghua University |
| Location | Beijing, China |
Research Question
How do fans understand fan support, decide whether to participate, and change their involvement over time? The study examines why similar attachment to an idol can lead to different support practices.
Methodology
I recruited 22 fans aged 18–30, conducted semi-structured interviews, transcribed approximately 280,000 Chinese characters, and completed thematic coding. Thematic analysis examined perceptions and participation decisions, while retrospective life-story analysis reconstructed changes in identification and support practices.
Key Findings
Fan identity and commitment to support activities form two relatively independent drivers of participation, moderated by personal resources and perceived norms. Six participation trajectories informed a perception–identification–behavior framework that explains different participation choices and how support practices change over time.
Full Paper
