Fandoms as Modern-Day Folk Culture and Their Spiritual Parallels

12-minute read time

Fandoms have grown into something far more profound than collections of people who admire a particular movie, TV show, or artist. In many ways, they parallel traditional folk cultures and even spiritual belief systems, acting as modern spaces for communal storytelling, identity formation, and personal growth. Just as religious practices gather people around shared beliefs, fandoms unite individuals who share a passion for a particular story, genre, or idea. These communities become a crucial part of shaping how we see the world and ourselves, fostering a sense of belonging that can be transformative.

It is essential to note, however, that while fandoms share similarities with religious and spiritual communities, they are not the same. The parallels lie in their ability to connect people through shared narratives, to help individuals explore their values, and to inspire collaboration and personal growth. Fandoms do not hold the same religious power or sacred significance that spiritual belief systems do. Nor should these comparisons diminish the depth and purpose of religion by reducing it to something as trivial as pop culture. Religion often deals with the metaphysical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of life, while fandoms revolve around cultural consumption and shared entertainment. My intention is to draw out the ways both serve as communities that help individuals develop internal voices, not to equate the two.

With that distinction in mind, it becomes easier to see how fandoms function in ways that resemble spiritual communities. Much like religion, fandoms allow individuals to connect with something greater than themselves. When someone joins a fandom, they often find themselves contributing to a larger narrative that shapes both the community and their personal identity. Whether through fan fiction, cosplay, or online discussions, fans take an active role in co-creating the meaning of the stories they cherish. This participatory culture echoes the collaborative nature of religious communities, where shared beliefs are continuously interpreted and reinterpreted through collective engagement. Both fandoms and religious practices provide spaces where individuals can explore their values, build faith, and share their creative energy with others who share similar passions.

Fandoms also push the boundaries of our faith and imagination. Just as religious devotion deepens our belief in a higher power or universal principles, fandoms encourage us to engage deeply with the stories we love and stretch our internal limits. Whether it’s imagining alternate endings to beloved series or debating the moral dilemmas presented in a superhero movie, fandoms create a fertile ground for personal growth and exploration. Anime fandoms like “Naruto” or “Attack on Titan,” for example, inspire fans to reflect on themes of resilience, morality, and the complexities of human nature. Similarly, the BTS ARMY fandom goes beyond music, inviting fans to explore themes of love, self-worth, and social responsibility. In these ways, fandoms not only entertain but also encourage us to question, reflect, and grow in our personal beliefs and vision of what is possible.

At their best, fandoms offer a safe space for individuals to test the boundaries of their internal voices. Much like religious communities help believers explore their faith and values in a supportive environment, fandoms allow members to experiment with new forms of self-expression and creative collaboration. Fans often engage in “what if” scenarios that stretch the limits of their imagination and expand their sense of what could be, giving them a place to grow, both personally and creatively.

Yet, as with religious communities, fandoms can also impose limitations. While they offer opportunities for creativity and connection, they can sometimes evolve into echo chambers, where the dominant ideas are repeated and reinforced, and dissenting opinions are discouraged. The intense loyalty that fandoms inspire can, at times, blur the line between personal identity and group identity. This can create a sense of pressure to conform, limiting an individual’s ability to critically engage with the media they love or even with their personal voice. In the same way that religious dogma can sometimes stifle personal belief, fandoms may restrict individual creativity in favor of group cohesion. However, even in these moments of tension, fandoms serve as mirrors that reflect both our internal strengths and the areas where we struggle to assert our individuality.

In the end, fandoms, much like both folk cultures and religious practices, shape our internal voices through shared participation, storytelling, and collective exploration. They give us the space to build communities around what we love, confront our doubts, and find inspiration in a shared culture. By drawing these parallels, we can see how fandoms—and spiritual practices—help us navigate the complexities of identity, belief, and self-expression. They provide us with opportunities to explore our passions and refine our voices, even in a world often filled with noise and distractions.

Both fandoms and spiritual communities offer a sense of belonging and shared purpose, and in that way, they guide us toward deeper personal discovery. But they do so in different realms—fandoms through cultural engagement and entertainment, and religion through spiritual and ethical reflection. By understanding these parallels, we can appreciate how each helps us grow while acknowledging the unique spaces they occupy in shaping our internal voices.

Fandoms I consider myself to be a part of 

Music: Ateez

• Who are they:
  • Ateez is a South Korean boy band formed by KQ Entertainment. The group consists of eight members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. They debuted on October 24, 2018, with the extended play Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, and have since become one of the most well-known names in the K-pop industry, loved for their music, performances, and powerful stage presence.
• How I was introduced to them:
  • I was introduced to Ateez through TMarie. She mentioned wanting to attend a couple of K-pop concerts and asked if I would be willing to go. As someone who loves live music, I said yes, but asked her to send me a playlist so I could get familiar with the group. Not only did she send a playlist, but she also gave Shreyaa and me a whole presentation on Ateez. From there, we had multiple Ateez nights, and before I knew it, I was hooked.
• What drew me into the fandom:
  • Initially, I was captivated by their music and choreography, which were unlike anything I’d seen before. But as I learned more about their journey—how they went from underdogs to respected idols, all while staying true to themselves—I found myself deeply inspired. Their dedication to their craft, their fans, and their authenticity was powerful. Their story resonated with me, and before long, it wasn’t just the music I loved—it was everything Ateez stood for.
• What I’ve learned about my internal voice:
  • Ateez, being my introduction to K-pop as a whole, has taught me a lot about perseverance and dedication. Their commitment to their music, performances, and fans is something I deeply admire. Despite only being a few months into my journey with K-pop and Ateez, I’ve noticed a shift in how I engage with music. I now find myself analyzing lyrics, music videos, and how eight distinct individuals can each shine in their own way. Ateez has shown me that staying true to your voice while collaborating with others is a powerful way to grow, both artistically and personally.

Social Media: Yes Theory

• Who are they:
  • Yes Theory is a Canadian digital media brand built around a YouTube channel founded by Thomas Brag, Ammar Kandil, Matt Dajer, and Derin Emre. Their content focuses on the philosophy of seeking discomfort, encouraging people to step outside of their comfort zones and embrace life’s challenges.
• How I was introduced to them:
  • I first came across Yes Theory back in 2020 when I downloaded TikTok. A video popped up on my feed where they convinced the world that Justin Bieber eats burritos sideways, which intrigued me. I went to their YouTube channel intending to watch that one video, but I stumbled upon another one where Matt shared his struggles with anxiety. It resonated with me, and I found myself watching more and more of their content.
• What drew me into the fandom:
  • I became drawn to Yes Theory because their philosophy of seeking discomfort spoke to me on a personal level. I binge-watched their videos, listened to their podcasts, and followed their journey closely. Their approach to life—facing challenges head-on, building community, and embracing the unknown—felt like something I needed in my own life, especially during a time when I was struggling with my mental health.
• What I’ve learned about my internal voice:
  • As someone who struggles with mental health, discovering Yes Theory—and particularly Matt’s series on mental health—helped me understand my own challenges better. While watching their videos didn’t “fix” my struggles, it gave me a starting point, a way to approach my mental health that felt empowering rather than overwhelming. They reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort, and this has shaped the way I approach not only my mental health but life in general.

Anime: Attack on Titan

• What is it:
  • Attack on Titan is a Japanese dark fantasy anime adapted from Hajime Isayama’s manga series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, humanity lives behind enormous walls protecting them from giant humanoid Titans. The series follows protagonist Eren Yeager and his friends as they uncover the truth about the Titans and face the moral dilemmas that arise in their fight for survival.
• How I was introduced to them:
  • A friend of mine introduced me to Attack on Titan. He had already guided me through a few different anime shows to gauge my interest, and he thought Attack on Titan would be a good fit for me. He was absolutely right—it was a perfect introduction to the genre.
• What drew me into the fandom:
  • Unlike other anime I had watched, Attack on Titan made me think deeply about societal issues, moral ambiguity, and the complexity of human nature. The show challenges viewers to question everything, from the nature of democracy to whether people are born inherently good or evil. It was an anime that didn’t just entertain—it forced me to reflect on the world around me and my place in it.
• What I’ve learned about my internal voice:
  • To be completely honest, I have yet to watch the series finale of Attack on Titan. It’s been over two years, and I just can’t bring myself to watch it because I don’t want it to end. Attack on Titan mirrors many societal issues, from genocide to discrimination, guilt, and anger. These universal themes show up in different forms throughout the series but are undeniably present in our world today. The series challenges me to confront these realities, making me more mindful of the complexity of human nature and the moral challenges we face as individuals and societies.

Movie Franchise: Fast & Furious

• What is it:
  • Fast & Furious, also known as The Fast and the Furious, is a media franchise centered on street racing, heists, and action-packed missions. Over time, it has expanded to include short films, a television series, video games, and even theme park attractions. 
• How I was introduced to them:
  • My dad has always loved action movies, and naturally, I was exposed to a lot of them growing up. One of the first action franchises I fell in love with was Fast & Furious. I’ve been watching the movies since I was a kid, and the excitement and love for them have only grown over time.
• What drew me into the fandom:
  • My whole family loves Fast & Furious, so it felt inevitable that I would join the fandom. But what truly drew me in was the way the series emphasized family and loyalty, even amid all the chaos of street racing and elaborate heists. The characters live by a code that transcends the labels of “good” and “bad.” That moral complexity was something I admired and connected with.
• What I’ve learned about my internal voice:
  • I’ve always told people that Fast & Furious has played a significant role in shaping who I am. The series helped me realize that the labels we place on ourselves or others—whether “good” or “bad”—are subjective. What matters more is the set of values we live by and how we share those values with the people around us. Fast & Furious taught me to approach life with an open mind, understanding that people, like characters, are more complex than we often give them credit for.

Each of these fandoms has contributed to the development of my internal voice in unique ways. Whether it’s the perseverance I’ve learned from Ateez, the mental health insights from Yes Theory, the moral reflections from Fast & Furious, or the societal critiques from Attack on Titan, these communities have all offered spaces where I can explore who I am and what I believe in. These four fandoms may be especially important to me, but they are just a few examples of the thousands of fandoms around the world that provide similar opportunities for growth and self-expression. Fandoms are spaces where people can connect, reflect, and develop their voices, proving that cultural and creative engagement can be just as meaningful as any other form of self-discovery.