Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Ph.D student in Communication Sciences, Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Northern Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Northern Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding author)
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, Journalism and Media, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communications and Media, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Social networks, especially Instagram, are the most important platforms for social, cultural, and identity interactions on which celebrity fans are actively involved. Focusing on the social world of young fans of Amir Maghsoudloo (Tataloo), this study examined the effects and consequences of Instagram on the lived experience of Tataloo fans from a cultural and social perspective. The qualitative study was conducted with an interpretive phenomenological approach. The statistical population included young adults aged 18 to 29, and the sample size was determined through purposive and snowball sampling and based on the principle of theoretical saturation. The sample size reached theoretical adequacy after interviewing 23 people (12 men and 11 women). The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, which was analyzed according to Max van Manen's phenomenological perspective and MAXQDA-2020 software. Based on the findings, two themes were identified in the fandom phenomenon: 1- “Contexts and Conditions” with subcategories of “Socio-Cultural and Media Contexts” and “Personal Factors and Social Connections”; 2- “Consequences of Instagram” with subcategories of “Personal Identity and Motivation” and “Social and Psychological Challenges”. Instagram plays an important role in shaping personal identity and creating positive motivations. In addition to the impact of cyberspace, the cultural and social conditions of society and freedom of expression against social pressures also have a great impact on people’s attraction to celebrities.
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