Cyberbullying in Fan Culture: Drivers, Platform Dynamics, and Governance in the New Media Era

Jing He

doi:10.54097/crmt0c62

Authors

Jing He

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/crmt0c62

Keywords:

Cyberbullying, Fan Culture, New Media, Platform Governance, Online Violence

Abstract

In the era of new media, fan culture has become a powerful cultural and economic force. It shapes collective identities and influences the entertainment industries worldwide. However, this cultural phenomenon has also given rise to new forms of cyberbullying, where online harassment and violent behaviors are amplified within highly organized fan communities. This study investigates the dynamics of cyberbullying in fan culture using a multidimensional approach combining literature review and case analysis. Methodologically, it combines a literature review with case analysis, focusing on K-pop fandom practices in South Korea and governance measures on Chinese platforms such as Weibo's fanquan regulation and the national Qinglang Action. Findings are summarized across three dimensions: psychological and social drivers of cyberbullying, platform mechanisms that facilitate or fail to prevent such behaviors, and governance strategies employed by both platforms and policymakers. By integrating perspectives from psychology, sociology, and information science, this study not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of online fan dynamics but also provides practical implications for platform governance, cultural industry management, and policy development.

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