DIGITAL PRACTICES OF MEDIA FANDOM

DOI: 10.31673/2786-7412.2023.022033

Abstract

The article explores the digital practices of media fandom and highlights how the development of information technologies and the emergence of new media have revolutionised cultural production. Since the mid-1990s, the widespread use of Internet technologies has led to significant changes in the circulation of information and various forms of cultural expression. Each community of individuals with similar interests now has the opportunity to create their own virtual universe, allowing representatives from various cultural groups to communicate about their shared hobbies, regardless of their location. In particular, online interactive communities such as fans of popular literature, TV series, and shows have experienced significant growth in numbers. It has been established in academic discourse that the notion of media fandom is employed to designate fan communities of the digital age. These communities are brought together by their dedication to particular mass culture products, and are active in the digital realm of new media, advancing specific digital practices. Members of a media fandom generate fresh cultural works, closely linked to a specific storyline of a popular mass culture product. Media fandom is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon within contemporary culture, which blurs the boundary between creator and consumer. It is a characteristic of digital culture that requires objective evaluation due to its subjective nature. Causal connections between statements are necessary to ensure comprehensibility and logical structure. Technical term abbreviations should always be explained when first used. Maintaining conventional structure, including regular formatting and factual, unambiguous titles, is vital. Clear, objective language should be used, avoiding biased, emotional, figurative, or ornamental language. The passive tone and impersonal construction should be employed, avoiding first-person perspectives unless necessary. Aim for a clear structure with precise word choice and balance without bias. Finally, maintain grammatical correctness, adhering to style guides, consistent citations, and formatting. It finds that fandom is a global platform for the creation and distribution of content on favourite topics, a type of participatory culture that involves a person who was previously only a consumer of cultural and social meanings in the state of producer. The author formulates the main characteristics of media fandom: it appears in the era of new media, it creatively rethinks the products of cultural industries, it represents the space of amateur production, it has a collective nature of activity, and the participants are engaged in creativity for their own development and enjoyment.

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