Abstract
In our digital era, fandom has become a social and cultural phenomenon, notably in Thailand. Fans are dedicated, and creating fan text (i.e., text production made by fans about their object of fandom) is one way of showing dedication and passion to the fan base. This article explores how Thai fans engage with fan text on popular social media platforms such as Twitter, and how fandom relates to identity construction among Thai fans who are online media users. The results from a selected sample comprising 100 fan tweets from four different sources, suggests five types of fan tweets, including: hypothetical interpretation, fan art, narrative concerning an anecdote regarding the source text, expression of personal opinions and feelings, and fan parody. Moreover, this article discusses fans’ shared lexicon called ‘fan talk,’ and how fans position themselves as relatives and friends of the source texts. This article further discusses the humorous nature and the transcultural elements found in fan tweets, especially the ‘Thai-ifize’ method that fans use in creating fan tweets.
Highlights
Gray et al (2007) stated that, “most people are fans of something
How is the source text portrayed and rewritten in fan tweets? Second, how does fandom relate to identity construction among Thai fan online media users?
The results suggest that Thai fans obtained some cultural aspects from the source text, namely the source text language
Summary
Gray et al (2007) stated that, “most people are fans of something. If not, they are bound to know someone who is” Fandom has become a phenomenon that is very influential and global (Black, 2008; Booth and Kelly, 2013). Mostly driven by the use of social media, younger generations are increasingly eager to participate in fan cultures; this phenomenon does not seem like it will subside or end anytime soon. There have been many fan conventions held in many countries (i.e. Comic-con, D23 expo, KCON). Many people have been participating in fan activities such as cosplay and cover dance. Numerous websites in different countries provide spaces for fans to write fan fiction in their own languages (i.e. FanFiction.net, Quotev, Wattpad, Asianfanfics, and Dek-d.com)
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