Reexamining Differences Between Fandom and Local Sense of Community

Abstract

Prior research shows that science fiction fans experience a greater sense of community with their fan group than their local community. In the present study, fans across a variety of fan groups rated their sense of community for their fan group and local community. The results largely support the prior findings, with fans rating the dimensions of sense of community higher for their fan group than for their local community. However, sport, music, and media fans rated their perceived influence on their fan group significantly lower than their influence on their local community and music fans showed no differences on belongingness. Together, the results highlight the strong connection fans feel with their fan communities.