Date of Award
Fall 12-13-2021
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Communication and Digital Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Anand Rao
First Advisor
Adria Goldman
Major or Concentration
Communication and Digital Studies
Abstract
This research uses a qualitative content analysis of Taylor Swift fan theory TikToks to determine the personal benefits of the development of celebrity fan theories. Findings indicate three main themes – a sense of community, a knowledge of secret information, and a perceived closeness to the celebrity – that serve to explain the motivation behind this behavior. In addition, this study identifies a connection between celebrity parasocial relationships and conspiracy theories. The results of this study suggest that further research should examine how celebrity parasocial relationships might lead to the development of a new category of conspiracy theories.
Recommended Citation
Resnick, Kendall, "When Admiration Turns to Obsession: A Case Study on Taylor Swift Fan Theories" (2021). Student Research Submissions. 439.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/439