The Impact of the Formation of Virtual Intimate Relationships Between Generation Z Women and Idol Drama Stars on Their Behavior in the Internet Era

Abstract

Generation Z is a young group born together with the Internet, and some scholars call them "DigitaI Natives." They are curious about everything and are willing to try new things and cultures, such as the stargazing and trendy drama culture that has emerged with the development of mobile networks. After being exposed to these new cultures can observe that there is a growing number of women who believe that they have a quasi-intimate relationship with male idol stars. At the same time, these quasi-intimate relations have begun to influence their behaviors and thoughts. This study focuses on the impact of the quasi-intimate relationship between Generation Z women and male idol drama stars on their behaviors through in-depth interviews with the help of social identity theory and doing gender theory. The discussions categorize these Generation Z women into three types: person being reinforced, conflictors, and person being trapped. Based on the study results, it was concluded that quasi-intimate relations have a tremendous and profound impact on young women who follow celebrities in many ways.