Fandom has changed a lot over the years. I would say the biggest shift came with the development of “web 2.0.” Web 2.0 refers to sites that emphasize user-generated content, usability, and interactions. Such sites include (but are not limited to) YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Twitter, and many others. The site I‘m most familiar with is Instagram.
This post closely examines two Instagram accounts (with an added bonus surprise third account. Unless of course you skip to the last paragraph, in which case it won’t be much of a surprise for you). The first account is a fan-made account that features scenes from the CW’s One Tree Hill. The second belongs to ex-Disney Channel Star Cole Sprouse. The reason I chose these two accounts in particular is because they represent a perfect contrast of each other. One represents how fans use social media to show their love for their favorite shows and celebrities and the other shows how celebrities use social media to directly interact with their fans.
First, let’s take a look at _onetreehill23:
This post closely examines two Instagram accounts (with an added bonus surprise third account. Unless of course you skip to the last paragraph, in which case it won’t be much of a surprise for you). The first account is a fan-made account that features scenes from the CW’s One Tree Hill. The second belongs to ex-Disney Channel Star Cole Sprouse. The reason I chose these two accounts in particular is because they represent a perfect contrast of each other. One represents how fans use social media to show their love for their favorite shows and celebrities and the other shows how celebrities use social media to directly interact with their fans.
First, let’s take a look at _onetreehill23:
It’s been four agonizing years since the series finale of one of the most beloved teenage dramas aired on the CW. Similar to the eternal love of show-runners Haley and Nathan, or a.k.a. “Naley,” fans of One Tree Hill have remained as true and dedicated to the show as ever before. Aside from the annual One Tree Hill convention that takes place every year in north Carolina (where majority of the original cast reunite to answer questions, take pictures, and hang out with fans), easily one of the most active ways fans have stayed engage is through social media.
Part of why I chose this account in particular (there were literally hundreds to choose from) is because it appears to have it all. What I mean is, there are remembrance screen caps with captions from some of the most iconic scenes.
Part of why I chose this account in particular (there were literally hundreds to choose from) is because it appears to have it all. What I mean is, there are remembrance screen caps with captions from some of the most iconic scenes.
There are snapshots of the cast in the modern world to let us know what they’re all up to now.
And there’s even the inclusion of other forms of fanart that have to do with One Tree Hill. Because, why limit yourself to just photos?
This account not only shows the level of commitment and devotion fans have for their favorite shows, but it also gives us a glimpse into the world of how easy it is/can be to connect with others who have similar interests.
The second account is more a satirical account created by one of my biggest childhood crushes: Cole Sprouse. The point of the account is to post pictures of people taken pictures of him, but trying to be secretive because they don’t want him to know they’re taken pictures of him even though he knows they’re taking pictures of him and is taking pictures of them all at the same time. Wow. Talk about about meta-pictures. Well here. In case didn’t quite get all that just read the account description so you understand what it’s about before reading any further.
The second account is more a satirical account created by one of my biggest childhood crushes: Cole Sprouse. The point of the account is to post pictures of people taken pictures of him, but trying to be secretive because they don’t want him to know they’re taken pictures of him even though he knows they’re taking pictures of him and is taking pictures of them all at the same time. Wow. Talk about about meta-pictures. Well here. In case didn’t quite get all that just read the account description so you understand what it’s about before reading any further.
This account is very unique because not only does it show direct interaction with fans, but it also glimpses into the world of privacy issues amongst celebs, an issue that has become much more relevant in the past couple days thanks to Amy Schumer’s (rather dramatic in my opinion) outburst. (I won’t get into that now, but if you want to read about, the link’s at the bottom!) In the past, the main concerns with invasion of privacy came from paparazzi, and of course a few obsessive fans who, let’s be honest, needed that restraining order filed against them. Cough, cough. Mariah Yeater. (If you don’t know whom I’m talking about and wish to be enlightened, click here.) Now, however, with the increased use of social media generation Y (and now Z I guess. Wow. I can’t believe that’s a thing already) has easy access to celebrity’s location thanks to Instagram and Twitter locations, Facebook spot tags, and now SnapChat. So where should the line be drawn? After all, don’t they worn you that it comes with the territory when you become rich and famous, and they always offer you a way out before you’re in?
Lastly, here are some pictures of my new puppy. Yes, she has her own Instagram, and yes, she gets ten times more likes than me. I don’t want to talk about… Okay, well I guess technically I do. We (my two sisters and I who co-run the account) believe that part of why she gets so many likes (aside from her undeniable cuteness) is because of hashtags we used when first posting pictures. #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverpuppy #puppy We were aiming to reach out to people who are generally interested in cute puppies, particularly golden retireivers, and join a community that was formed thanks to a silly little pound.
Finals words? I guess to sum it up I’d like to give a little advice. For those of you who think social media is a waste of time and eats are brain cells, just know that it does have a purpose, it can be useful, and while it may not entirely define our generation, it most certainly will inspire it.
P.S. Don't forget to give a follow to @_onetreehill23 @camera_duels and @golden_retriever_nala
P.S. Don't forget to give a follow to @_onetreehill23 @camera_duels and @golden_retriever_nala
References and further reading:
http://www.eyeconfla.com/oth/
http://henryjenkins.org/2016/02/who-are-millennial-fans-an-interview-with-louisa-stein-part-one.html
https://www.instagram.com/_onetreehill23/
https://www.instagram.com/camera_duels/
https://www.instagram.com/golden_retriever_nala/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/11/justin-bieber-baby-rumors-mariah-yeater-paternity-suit.html