Arts & Culture
Symbolic Boundary Work of 'Real Fans' in Online Fandom Communities
Quick fact
In online fan communities, calling someone a 'fake fan' is not just an insult: it is a symbolic boundary that defines who belongs and who does not, often based on knowledge of trivia or merchandise ownership.
Why this is interesting
You're in a fan forum and someone posts a deep cut theory about your favorite show. Another fan dismisses them with 'You're not a real fan.' How do they know?