Last month, during the Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion beef, TMZ reported that the cemetery where Megan’s mother Holly Thomas is buried had to increase security after the location was shared on social media by one of Nicki’s fans, known as “Barbz.” Even though Nicki was not involved in the threat, the boldness of the action was seen as a low point in stan culture, prompting discussions about whether extreme celebrity fandom could be a form of mental illness.
Stan culture involves obsessive fandom, from fans getting emotional over Playboi Carti snippets to streaming songs all night to boost chart rankings. The emergence of social media has also given music fans a platform to defend their favorite artists. Criticizing popular musicians can lead to doxxing and harassment, behaviors that go beyond just music tastes.
Parasocial relationships, a common aspect of stan culture, have been around for years. With the rise of live streaming, fans have more opportunities to interact with artists, shifting the dynamic from distant idol to potential friend. For example, interactions on X show how fans celebrate recognition from their favorite artists, creating a strong bond between them.
Professors Sally Theran and Azadeh Aalai suggest that obsessive fandom, especially when fueled by social media, can intensify during times of isolation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While parasocial relationships can have positive aspects, the line between healthy engagement and extreme behavior can blur.
The professors indicate that research on the intersection of fandom, social media, and mental health is ongoing, and it is still unclear whether obsessive stan-dom could be classified as a formal mental disorder. The accessibility provided by platforms like Instagram and Twitter may make it challenging for fans to distinguish between a celebrity’s public persona and their genuine self, further complicating the idea of parasocial relationships. However, the sense of community that social media fosters among fans can be a source of support and connection for individuals experiencing loneliness.