Suchergebnisse

Abstract
In the present research, we examined fan entitlement among members of the furry fandom – a group of people with a shared interest in media and activities that feature anthropomorphic animals (animals given human-like features). We surveyed both fans and content creators in the fandom, which allowed us to test several predictors of fan entitlement (e.g., stigmatization, age) and the relationship between fan entitlement and perceptions of fan entitlement among artists. The results are then contextualized within well-known psychological processes (e.g., the availability heuristic), laying the groundwork for future research on the processes underlying fan entitlement and its effects. Implications of the results are discussed for three different bodies of research: research on the furry fandom specifically, research on fan entitlement more broadly, and research on fan/creator relationships in general.

In the present article we discuss three studies aimed at better understanding elitism in the context of fan groups. The studies assess different facets of elitism, predictors of elitism and the potential outcomes associated with holding elitist beliefs. The survey studies were conducted on members of three distinct fan groups: furries (fans of media featuring anthropomorphized animal characters), bronies (adult fans of the television seriesMy Little Pony) and anime fans (fans of Japanese animation). Elitism was found to include both self-inflation and other-derogation and is predicted by two components of fan identity (fanship and fandom). Elitism was also significantly associated with pro-gatekeeping attitudes and behaviours. Practical and theoretical implications for fan culture are discussed. We also discuss the limitations of the studies and their ability to contribute to a discussion about creating inclusive fan spaces.

Cosplay, a portmanteau of the words 'costume' and 'roleplay', involves fans dressing up and acting out fictional characters, usually at fan-themed events. Previous research on cosplay and well-being has found that people who cosplay, compared to non-cosplaying anime fans, experience more positive well-being, in part because they are more likely to disclose their fan interests to others rather than hiding it. In the present study we expand upon prior research by testing whether fandom identification and attending events mediate the association between cosplaying (i.e. a sample of cosplayers vs. non-cosplaying anime fans) and well-being. The results provide evidence for a serial mediation model consistent with our predictions and with prior findings. We discuss implications for measuring well-being in fan communities, including both cosplayers and non-cosplaying fans, as well as the potential benefits of in-person contact with members of one's fandom.