Barriers and Orders: Study of Fans’ Group Identification with Doujin Groups

Abstract

With the development of diversified cyber-cultures, Doujin works, which are secondary creation based on original works or prototypes of characters, have become an important part of web authoring. Starting from Klink’s dimensional division of group identification, this study explored how viewers of audio-visual works, enthusiasts of characters and fans of artists identified with Doujin Groups and participated in social group activities by adopting research methods such as netnography, interviews and text analysis. According to research findings, as group identification is gradually developed from its dimensions of cognition and emotion-evaluation, the imitation and learning in the behavioral dimension will be promoted, so as to join Doujin creation. Barriers and rules in the social group ecology can protect creation and works, and advance the prosperity and development of social groups, thus attracting more viewers.