Fan phenomenon: the science behind the veneration of Coldplay or Taylor Swift

In 1964, New York’s JFK airport witnessed a scene that would go down in history: thousands of young people screamed and cried as they waited for the arrival of the Beatles. This phenomenon, known as beatlemaniawas one of the first modern examples of mass fanaticism.

Decades later, artists like Taylor Swift and Coldplay They continue to generate a similar devotion in their followers. What is behind this behavior?

Psychological keys to the fan phenomenon

The fan phenomenon refers to the loyalty and excessive passion that certain individuals feel toward a public figurewhether a musician, actor, athlete, or even a fictional character.

Henri Tajfel and John C. Turner’s (1979) social identity theory suggests that people categorize their social world into groups to which they belong (“we”) and collectives to which they do not belong (“they”). From this point of view, followers of Taylor Swift, for example, strongly identify as swiftiesa group with shared values, norms and behaviors.

More recent studies suggest that a sense of belonging to a fan group can improve the emotional well-being and self-esteemproviding a space where individuals feel acceptance and support.

Taylor Swift and emotional connection

Taylor Swift is a paradigmatic case of how an artist can cultivate an extremely loyal fan base. The American singer, known for her autobiographical and emotional lyrics, offers her fans more than just music: a narrative they can identify with. This emotional connection is key to understanding why swifties They are so devoted.

The swifties are explained on the eve of Taylor Swift’s first concert in Madrid.

A study by Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl (1956) introduced the concept of “parasocial relationship”, which describes the illusion of a personal relationship between the viewer and a media figure. Interactions on social networks, as we will see, reinforce that illusion.

A 2019 study expands on the idea, showing that parasocial relationships can be just as meaningful as real ones in terms of emotional support and connection.

Coldplay and the collective experience

On the other hand, Coldplay offers a clear example of how music can foster a sense of community and belonging. The British group’s live performances are known for their inclusive and energizing atmosphere. During their concerts, it is common to see thousands of fans singing in unison.

Psychologist Mihály Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory (1990) can help us understand this. “Flow” is a state of mind in which a person is completely immersed in an activity.experiencing a sense of focus and enjoyment.

Coldplay shows, with their immersive music and visuals, create an environment for fans to achieve that state. Recent work has shown that flow experiences at music events can also have a lasting positive impact on the emotional well-being of attendees.

Dopamine release

The fan phenomenon can be analyzed through several prisms. From a neurobiological perspective, 2011 research found that The intense emotions provoked by listening to music are associated with the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain reward system. This release reinforces the behavior, causing individuals to repeatedly seek similar experiences.

Attending concerts or interacting with other fans can activate the same gears, strengthening the behavior of seeking experiences related to the artist.

A form of belonging

For its part, social psychology considers this phenomenon as a form of conformity and cohesion. As the American psychologist and writer Robert Cialdini has pointed out, people are more likely to conform to the norms and behaviors of those they consider similar to or belonging to their group.

Psychologist Leon Festinger’s social comparison hypothesis (1954) adds that people evaluate their own opinions and abilities through comparisons. In the context at hand, fans compare themselves to other group members to reaffirm their identity. This can lead to greater involvement in activities such as attending concerts or participating in online discussions.

Lights and shadows of being a fan

In short, being a fan of an artist can have positive psychological effects. Belonging to a community provides a sense of identity and social support. Additionally, participate in activities related to fandom It can be a form of escapism, offering temporary relief from daily stress and worries.

However, we should not ignore the negative aspects. In some cases, extreme devotion can lead to obsessive behaviors or even idolatry, where the public figure is seen as infallible and perfect.

This idealization can generate unrealistic expectations and disappointment when the idol does not meet them. A 2004 study associated extreme idolatry with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.

The gasoline of social networks

In our dayssocial networks have played a crucial role in the evolution of the phenomenon. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram and TikTok allow fans to interact directly with their idols, creating global communities and fostering a sense of intimacy previously unthinkable.

One of its main advantages is direct access to public figures, who can communicate with their followers through posts, live videos and comments. This accessibility creates an illusion of a personal relationship, even though the relationship is one-sided.

Social networks also facilitate the formation of communities and subcultures. Followers can join groups and forums where they share their love for the artist, exchange news and content and organize related events and activities. These communities provide a safe and supportive space to express passion and find others with similar interests, something crucial for emotional well-being and identity building.

Besides, the ability of social media to make content go viral It has allowed fans to organize massive campaigns in support of their idols. A notable example is the use of hashtags to promote new music releases or vote for awards.

These movements not only demonstrate the collective power of followers, but can have a significant impact on the artist’s career. A 2013 study already found that fan campaigns on Twitter can influence charts and record company decisions.

But the use of social networks also carries psychological risks: the constant comparison with the seemingly perfect lives of celebrities. can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This was suggested, for example, by early research (2014) that analyzed social equations on Facebook.

The fan phenomenon is a fascinating field that combines elements of psychology, sociology and pop culture. Through a combination of emotional connection, shared experiences, and community building, these artists create lasting bonds with their fans, something amplified by social media.

* Oliver Serrano León is director of the Master of General Health Psychology at the European University of the Canary Islands. Professor of the Online Degree in Psychology at the European University of the Canary Islands, European University