Date of Project
6-21-2023
Document Type
Honors Thesis
School Name
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Communication
Major Advisor
Dr. Lori Morimoto
Second Advisor
Dr. Maggie Rossman
Third Advisor
Dr. Lara Needham
Abstract
Using social media to communicate has become increasingly popular since the medium was created. Twitter has been a popular breeding ground for fan communities to form social spaces. Parasocial relationship theory, as well as face negotiation theory, tie heavily into the discussion of fandoms and the creation of safe spaces on the platform. How people present themselves online is entirely dependent on the user and their level of comfort on the app. One fandom in particular that utilizes this app the most is the fan base for the seven-member South Korean boy band, BTS, who in reference to the band, refer to themselves as the BTS ARMY. Using the “#LoveMyself” Twitter campaign promoted by BTS and BTS ARMY, I will use this case study to highlight the variety of engagement that comes from participating in the social space curated from the fan community.
Recommended Citation
Hacker, Samantha, "The Power of the Virtual Platform: A Look into Fandom Interactions via Twitter (X)" (2023). Undergraduate Theses. 141.
https://scholarworks.bellarmine.edu/ugrad_theses/141
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Media Commons