It’s a familiar scene: a grown adult with their face painted in their team’s colors, screaming at a television screen as if the players can hear them. A teenager breaking into tears over a missed goal. A stranger high-fiving another at a sports bar simply because they’re both wearing the same logo. To an outsider, this might seem excessive—even irrational. But to fans, these moments are more than emotional outbursts; they’re deeply meaningful. They’re expressions of identity, belonging, and something that teeters on the edge of devotion. So what really drives this intense connection between people and their teams? Why do sports, music, and even fictional fandoms command such loyalty?
To understand fan behavior is to dive into a complex world of psychology. It’s not just about liking a team or an artist—it’s about what that attachment represents. In truth, fandom speaks volumes about who we are, what we value, and how we connect with the world around us.
The Power of Belonging
One of the most fundamental reasons people become fans is the need for belonging. Psychologists have long known that humans are social creatures, wired to form groups for survival. While we no longer need tribes for protection from predators, we still seek community. Fandom fills that gap.
When you wear a team’s jersey, chant the same songs, or defend a pop star online, you’re signaling that you’re part of a larger group. This sense of belonging is emotionally powerful. It provides a safe identity, especially during uncertain times in life. It’s no coincidence that people tend to cling more tightly to their fandoms during personal or societal upheaval.
Supporting a team or artist allows people to say, “This is who I am. These are my people.” The collective joy when your team wins and the shared heartbreak when they lose isn’t just about the score—it’s about experiencing those highs and lows with others who understand exactly how you feel.
Basking in Reflected Glory (and Suffering in Shame)
Ever noticed how fans say “we won” after a team victory but rarely say “we lost” after a defeat? This is a psychological concept called Basking in Reflected Glory (BIRGing). When our chosen teams or idols succeed, we feel like we’ve succeeded, too. Their victory validates our decision to support them, and we proudly associate ourselves with that success.
The reverse is also true, though in more complex ways. When a team loses, fans often distance themselves to avoid associating with failure—a phenomenon known as Cutting Off Reflected Failure (CORFing). Yet, the most diehard fans do the opposite. They lean in. They double down. And that’s where fan behavior becomes even more fascinating.
Loyalty, even in the face of defeat, gives fans a sense of virtue and emotional resilience. It becomes part of their story—proof that they’re not just there for the good times. This kind of devotion mirrors romantic relationships: you stick it out through thick and thin because the bond runs deeper than outcomes.
Tribalism and Rivalries
At the core of many fan cultures is a form of tribalism. This “us vs. them” mentality can be both bonding and divisive. Rivalries are often celebrated, with chants, memes, and friendly jabs exchanged between opposing sides. But sometimes, that tribalism can turn toxic, manifesting in aggression, exclusion, or even violence.
Why does this happen? Social identity theory suggests that people derive self-worth from group affiliations. So when another group (i.e., rival fans) is perceived as a threat to one’s group identity, tensions escalate. It’s not just a game anymore—it’s personal.
That’s why a Red Sox fan might argue passionately with a Yankees fan, or why fandoms online might launch into heated debates over a singer’s career decisions. At its worst, this tribalism can create echo chambers or spark hostility. At its best, it builds intense passion and loyalty. The key lies in how that energy is channeled.
The Allure of Emotional Catharsis
Being a fan offers a socially acceptable way to experience and express deep emotion. Joy, anger, heartbreak, euphoria—these feelings can all play out within a single event. Sports, concerts, film premieres—they become safe spaces for catharsis.
In everyday life, we often have to suppress strong emotions. You can’t scream in the office when something frustrates you, or cry publicly every time you’re overwhelmed. But in the stands or the arena, it’s different. Screaming, crying, and hugging strangers are all part of the experience.
This emotional release is not only healthy but also deeply satisfying. It allows fans to connect with their own feelings in a visceral way. In a society that often prizes control and composure, fandom becomes a refuge for raw emotion.
Identity Formation and Personal Meaning
For many, fandom isn’t a hobby—it’s a central part of their identity. It influences how they dress, who they socialize with, even what values they hold. Supporting an underdog team might align with someone’s personal sense of grit and perseverance. Loving an outspoken artist might connect with someone’s passion for activism or social change.
Fandom can also offer a sense of continuity. Life is full of change, but your team, your favorite band, or your favorite film series remains constant. You can trace your life story alongside theirs—where you were during a key championship win, or how a particular album got you through a rough patch. These emotional anchors create meaning and nostalgia, giving fans a deeper connection to their past and present.
Social Media and the Digital Age of Fandom
In today’s world, fandom has gone digital—and that’s changed everything. Social media gives fans direct access to teams, celebrities, and fellow fans. It’s no longer about passively consuming content; it’s about being part of a 24/7 global conversation.
This connectivity has fueled the rise of “super fans” and online communities that blur the line between admiration and obsession. Hashtags trend globally. Memes go viral. Entire online identities are built around devotion to a team, a character, or an artist.
But this digital closeness also brings challenges. Parasocial relationships—where fans feel intimately connected to public figures who don’t know them—can blur emotional boundaries. Online fandoms can become echo chambers, sometimes intensifying groupthink or toxicity. Yet, for many, these platforms offer a powerful way to connect with like-minded people, especially for those who may feel isolated in real life.
From Hobby to Healing: The Therapeutic Side of Fandom
Recent studies suggest that fandom can play a therapeutic role in people’s lives. For individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief, engaging with fandom can offer structure, distraction, and hope. It gives people something to look forward to, something to hold onto when the rest of life feels unsteady.
For instance, someone going through a personal loss might find comfort in a long-running TV series or the camaraderie of game-day traditions. Someone struggling with identity might find belonging in a fandom that celebrates uniqueness and expression. In these cases, fandom becomes more than entertainment—it becomes a lifeline.
