Scientific Report: Fandom Biases Retrospective Judgments Not Perception
Abstract
Attitudes and motivations have been shown to affect the processing of visual input, indicating that observers may see a given situation each literally in a different way. Yet, in real-life, processing information in an unbiased manner is considered to be of high adaptive value. Attitudinal and motivational effects were found for attention, characterization, categorization, and memory. On the other hand, for dynamic real-life events, visual processing has been found to be highly synchronous among viewers. Thus, while in a seminal study fandom as a particularly strong case of attitudes did bias judgments of a sports event, it left the question open whether attitudes do bias prior processing stages. Here, we investigated influences of fandom during the live TV broadcasting of the 2013 UEFA-Champions-League Final regarding attention, event segmentation, immediate and delayed cued recall, as well as affect, memory confidence, and retrospective judgments. Even though we replicated biased retrospective judgments, we found that eye-movements, event segmentation, and cued recall were largely similar across both groups of fans. Our findings demonstrate that, while highly involving sports events are interpreted in a fan dependent way, at initial stages they are processed in an unbiased manner.
Nature.com / Markus Huff, Frank Papenmeier, Annika E. Maurer, Tino G. K. Meitz, Bärbel Garsoffky,. Stephan Schwan
Why Minecraft Movie Fans Are Getting Rowdy and Going Viral — Explore Parasocial relationships, community, and emotional contagion among Minecraft fans.
Key points
Watching "A Minecraft Movie" with other fans brings a welcome sense of community and belonging.
Parasocial relationships with fictional characters make seeing them on the big screen exciting.
A theater full of passionate fans amplifies their excitement and joy through emotional contagion.
Considering others who might be impacted can help fans decide how to express that excitement.
In the 1970s, Rocky Horror was a cult hit, inspiring a passionate fanbase. The film’s intentionally campy vibe and songs that invited singing along, in addition to a cast of characters who resonated with every teenager who felt like they didn’t fit in, made those midnight viewings my first experience of a participatory fandom. We didn’t just watch the movie, we became part of it. People dressed up as their favorite characters and danced in the aisles (to the "Time Warp," of course).
Psychology Today / Lynn Zubernis Ph.D.
The Fandom Phenomenon: How consumers, creators, and advertisers benefit from podcast fandom
How do you capture your audience’s attention? You can text them, email them, pay to reach them on social and search, or even fly a blimp over their house—but real influence starts with trust.
There’s no singular source of truth for potential customers, but if there were, it would sound a lot like Wondery. As Amazon’s premier podcast studio and network, Wondery is home to some of the most trusted and influential hosts in the industry, including Dax Shepard, Jason and Travis Kelce, and Keke Palmer.
Shows like Armchair Expert, New Heights, and Baby, This Is Keke Palmer consistently top charts and garner numerous awards recognition, including NAACP Image Awards, GLAAD Awards, the Variety Creative Impact in Podcasting Award, Webbys, Gracies, and The Ambies.
With listenership and advertiser interest continuing to grow across this emerging channel, one must ask: What is it about podcasts that keeps consumers coming back for more? Wondery’s latest research study, The Fandom Phenomenon, sought to uncover just that.
Marketingbrew.com / Wondery, Amazon
Cannes Lions Retrospective: 3 Reasons Why Fandom Can Be a Marketer's Superpower
CANNES, France 2024 —Brands whose marketing strategies overlook fan communities are leaving their most valuable audiences untapped, executives shared at a group chat on Monday at ADWEEK House in Cannes. Michael Sugar, CEO and founder of Sugar23, moderated the panel, which included Alyssa Buetikofer, vice president and CMO of McDonald’s Canada, and Stephanie Fried, the CMO of Fandom. The executives discussed the power of connecting with audiences in fan communities and through online forums surrounding sports, entertainment, music and gaming. All three executives are well-versed in the subject. Sugar, an Oscar-winning producer, has been recently helping brands connect with popular celebrities who inspire fandoms.
AD Week
Fandom and marketers: Here’s what the numbers say
From pop stars to sports, fandoms can be a great benefit to marketers, but not without risks, according to a recent Kearney report.
Marketingdive.com/Kearney
Here’s How Fandom Marketing Can Power Your Global Strategy
Embracing Fan Culture - As brands continue to recognize the power of fandoms, we’re likely to see more campaigns that celebrate fandom creativity, blending branded experiences with the unique passions of these dedicated communities. This evolution in marketing makes fandoms an invaluable asset for brands looking to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with consumers.
Sociallypowerful.com
Fandom is no longer a niche, as 3-in-5 Aussies consider themselves fans.
In an age where passive impressions are losing their power, with 70% of media investment reportedly wasted on attention that doesn’t last beyond two seconds, Snack Drawer identifies fandom as a potent, underutilised force for brands seeking to build true cultural relevance.
Snack Drawer / Campaign Brief
