The “fangirl” has been portrayed many times in different forms of media. Many think of them as crazed teenage girls who spend an insane amount of time and money following their favorite celebrities. I myself have been a fangirl for many different artists, celebrities, and internet personalities. It is hard to describe to people who are not into that way of life why I love different artists as much as I do. I think it stems from my love of music and entertainment along with choosing to watch and listen to people that I believe are genuinely good people. I think that many people also have only seen the negative sides to fandoms, so they automatically assume that all of it is bad.
Don’t get me wrong, fandoms can be toxic. People can be very defensive over the artists that they stan and sometimes it can get out of hand. Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and K-pop fans alike can get wild on the internet and some take it too far by sending death threats to people who hate their favorite artist. Some “fans” do get obsessive and go too far to get their favorite artist or celebrity’s attention, but these people are not the majority, and honestly are not true fans. However, there are many benefits and positives to being a fangirl that many people are not aware of.
Sometimes you need a little pick-me-up. On those days when you are feeling down or nothing is going your way, you might want the comfort of someone to tell you that it is okay. Fangirling over someone can be a way to escape your reality and feel relief over the bad parts of your life and in reasonable doses this can be good. It can also be good for your mental health. It can empower you and make you feel like you belong in a community. In these communities, you can find others with the same interests as you and make friends that understand you in ways that others never could. Such strong support systems and relationships are built throughout different fan bases. People are connected in ways they would not have been able to otherwise.
One example of this would be all of Taylor Swift’s fans during the Eras Tour. There is an unsaid connection between everyone who attends a concert. Having gone to one of the nights of her tour (“Speak Now” night) and having experienced it first hand, it was a truly amazing experience. From actually feeling comfortable in a sea of people to walking around and going up to complete strangers to trade friendship bracelets after talking about our favorite era, there is no greater example of feeling safe within a community.
Another positive is that being someone’s fan is just fun! It adds some excitement and happiness to your life. If treating yourself to your favorite artists’ new album, merch, or concert tickets makes your life a little brighter then you should. As long as you keep it within your budget –- please don’t sell your house to afford front row seats— and don’t cross any personal boundaries with the artists themself, then there is no reason you can’t brighten your day by streaming music, wearing merch, or watching the newest movie they have starred in. Don’t let what others might think of you stop you from doing what you want. There are many fangirls that are actually adults with real jobs. A 15 year old is not paying $600 for a front row seat, plus, airfare to get there, and a hotel.
While there are negatives that come from fangirling there are many positives that the general public does not see. Having a sense of community, being free to be yourself, and getting to have a release outside of your normal life are all amazing things that come with being a fangirl that people tend to overlook. So, stan who you want, do not be ashamed, and have fun doing it!