Over the last decade, the digital revolution has transformed the way we connect with celebrities. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have collapsed the distance between stars and fans. Today, our favourite celebrities are always sharing curated glimpses of their lives, keeping us constantly in the loop. This near-constant connection has given rise to what we now call “stan culture.”
The term ‘stan’ traces back almost 25 years to Eminem’s 2000 hit of the same name, which tells the story of an obsessed fan. Informally, it’s also thought to combine “stalker” and “fan.” What once carried a sinister connotation has evolved into a badge of honour for the intensely devoted, passionate fans of today.
Fandoms have even coined their own identities. BTS has the Army, Taylor Swift has the Swifties, and Lady Gaga has the Little Monsters. These communities often boast about millions of members, celebrate, defend, and promote their idols with near-religious devotion. For many, being a “stan” is not just about admiration; it is about belonging somewhere.
“I joined the BTS Army when I was 15,” says Farzana Rahman, now a student of BRAC University. “It wasn’t just about the music, though. The fandom felt like family. I also made a lot of friends through it.”
For Gen Z, who have grown up entirely online, this kind of fandom often doubles as a form of self-expression as well. Twitter bios, TikTok edits and even profile pictures often declare allegiance to an artist. This extends beyond just the digital realm. Many fans proudly wear their idols’ t-shirts, bracelets and key chains.
Yet, as with all intense devotion, there’s a darker side. The same passion that unites fans can fuel hostility. Fan wars erupt daily over chart rankings, award wins, or even a celebrity’s personal choices.
“I have gotten into so many online fights trying to defend Taylor Swift from haters,” admits Sahed, a university-going Swiftie. “Looking back, it is kind of exhausting. It felt as if someone criticised them; they were attacking me personally.”
This emotional investment is what makes stan culture so powerful- and so polarising. Social media amplifies it further. Every post, like and comment from a celebrity can spark thousands of reactions within seconds. The line between admiration and obsession can blur quite easily in these times.
“I used to be a big-time fan of Lana Del Rey. But recently, I got into a lot of fights with people online because of her support for Israel. I did think that the artist Lana is not the same as the person Lana who supports Israel. I am not so sure anymore,” said Aysha Siddik, a 17-year-old school student.
Not all stans are as forgiving. Blind loyalty can lead to harassment of other fans or even the celebrities themselves.
Experts note that the psychological roots of stan culture lie in ‘parasocial relationships’, a term used to describe one-sided emotional bonds that people form with public figures. Unlike the celebrity fandoms of the past, where access was limited to TV screens or magazines, today’s fans feel a way stronger illusion of intimacy. Social media creates a sense that they are our friends, not distant icons.
However, this closeness can come at a cost. At its extreme, it can lead to harassment of other fans or even celebrities themselves. Yet, for many, the benefits often outweigh the toxicity. Online fandoms like these have also raised money for charities, organised social campaigns and provided emotional support networks.
Whether one sees it as a community or chaos, stan culture is undeniably a defining feature of this modern generation. It shows how technology has reshaped our relationships with the people around us. The screen no longer separates the fan from the star- it connects them.
Stan culture itself isn’t the problem. Like any passion, it thrives in balance. Devotion should be rooted in empathy and admiration, not obsession. After all, it isn’t the culture that defines us, it’s how we choose to participate in it.
