Fangirling has become a bit of an epidemic and some people do give it a bad rep, but Chloe Evans is here to discuss why being an avid fangirl has its advantages and why no one can stop her from talking about her favourite artists.
It’s no secret, I am incapable of liking something a normal amount. It all started when I was a One Direction obsessed 8-year-old: my room acted as a shrine filled with posters and memorabilia, which can obviously be expected from a young child.
But literally nothing has changed. My current bedroom is full of artsy Pinterest prints of my favourite artists (Harry is still up there, do not fear!) and the lyrics that get me through my days. I know that probably seems dramatic, but I have to listen to music at every opportunity that I can and when I like a song, expect to hear it over and over again.
I think that by now, you are also assuming that I must also be a Swiftie, and obviously with that you are correct. I feel like while the One Direction craze hit its peak at a younger age, the Swiftie-ness has increased with age: for a lot of us, she has guided us through life with her music and making sure that there is a song for quite literally every situation life could throw at us, so it only seems appropriate to be fangirling.
I know that this doesn’t make me quirky and cool, I’m quite literally just like every other girl but I’m absolutely fine with that. I know that if I’m placed in a circle of people I don’t know too well, I can mention Taylor Swift and there will most likely be someone who will ask me what my favourite song from ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’ is, or what night I’m attending the Eras Tour.
Sarah Lyall, a clinical psychologist shares how being part of a fan community can be a really positive experience for its devoted members.
“A positive aspect of being involved in a fandom is a sense of belongingness and shared experiences,” she says.
“For example, two Swifties might be waiting in a doctor’s waiting room and notice each other’s friendship bracelets. Suddenly, the two strangers have something in common. Maybe they strike up a conversation and the wait becomes a lot less tedious for both of them.”
I worry that people think I’m unhinged, and they probably do, because I will not shut up about something that I’m fangirling over. I know the most mundane details about Harry’s upbringing and you’d be left thinking that if I knew this stuff about a normal person, you’d urge them to consider a restraining order.
I also love to unpack Taylor’s lyrics with a fine-tooth comb because quite frankly they are art- she uses them to capture just enough honestly, vulnerability and relatability to make us feel like we know her personally.
As someone who feels things so deeply, I feel like she just gets us. In a way no other artist can, I feel like she just encapsulates our thoughts. Even if I can’t relate to a situation she sings about in the slightest, I just know that if I could, my brain would be ticking in the exact same way as hers.
Social psychologist Frank McAndrew shares some insight into why our favourite celebrities are a topic that we can so easily bond over, and why we feel like we know them too.
“Our brains are tricked by the 21st century media and you know a lot more about celebrities, movie stars and politicians than you do about your next door neighbour.
“You know that these people don’t really matter in your life, but the fact that you know these little bits of information about their life makes you feel bonded to them.
“They then become like people we all know in common, like friend-in-law’s.”
An outrageous Urban Dictionary definition describes us as a ‘rabid breed of human female who is obsessed’ with whoever we fangirl over. This angers me in so many ways, as yes, we may get a little over-excited when an old One Direction song comes on in public, but the behaviour is far from ‘rabid’.
I’d actually say I’m instantly connected and feel safe around someone when I know they share the same fangirl attributes as me.
I attended Harry’s infamous ‘Love On Tour’ last summer and I had an everything shower the night before (just in case he decided to invite me backstage, of course), put on my feather boa and acted like an absolute mad woman when he came out on stage- tears were involved.
Even though the concert was held in a sold-out stadium with a huge capacity, I have never felt safer in a crowd. Everyone was so happy and full of love, eager to bond over a love for the singer we had all been fangirling over for years; the girls next to me even guarded my spot next to me whilst I went to the toilet, and used a bright pink cowboy hat as a beacon to guide me back.
The only small bit of hate I received last night was from a man, who had clearly been dragged along to accompany a girlfriend and had no desire to be amongst the crazy Harry fans, who was bitter that I was pushing back through the crowd to re-join my group after other people had been ‘waiting all day’.
There will always be people who form negative opinions about fangirls making you think it’s all a bit cringe, but I’m here today to tell you to never shut up about something you love. In my opinion, no one is more eager to discuss our faves than the person who makes the whining claims about how much they dislike them, and they’re probably jealous that they’re not in on a great thing.
So let’s keep fangirling and keep them in the spotlight for a bit longer, because one day we’ll look back and realise that we were creating history.
Expert insight- Sarah Lyall
A clinical psychologist currently employed by Cleveland Clinic. She is passionate about helping people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Expert insight- Frank McAndrew
Frank McAndrew is a social psychologist, writer and expert in gossiping and creepiness. He frequently writes psychology blogs and has done a range of public speaking.
