An enterprise for magic, dragons, and Impalas: An evaluation of parasocial interactions and fan discourse in four genre fandom online discussion forums

The long-withstanding nature and impact of fandom in popular culture has resulted in the etching of its own designated discipline of study in multiple fields, including sociology, anthropology, psychology, and media studies. As parasocial interactions (PSI) are increasingly becoming observable and associated with fandom, it brings to question the role of parasocial relationships (PSR) in fandom communities. By conducting a content analysis, this study analyzes the presence of PSRs in the fandom forums of Star Trek, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Supernatural. Additionally, this study conducted a preliminary content analysis evaluating the use of language to understand how fans are reinterpreting (Rabinowitz, 1985) text during discourse online about a media artifact. The relationships between PSI and interpretation styles were supported in this study demonstrating the overlap of participatory fandom and building relationships with fictional characters.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Journalism

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Erlichman, Sara R

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Belmas, Genelle

• discussion forums
• fandom
• parasocial interaction
• parasocial relationships
• popular culture
• textual poaching

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

https://www.proquest.com/LegacyDocView/DISSNUM/10189659

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/38241