Eighth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

In China, the way fans participate in media production is becoming more mainstream and diversified, and the fan groups themselves carry emotional attributes, so studies of affective labor involving fans are gradually increasing. Fan-controlled comments belong to a feature of fan culture that has received attention for its rapid growth and influence. This paper using sentiment analysis and keyword analysis examines the main types of “emotions” of today’s high popularity fans and classifies them into four categories: idols, fan communities, self, and the outside world. Both positive and negative emotions coexist. The study found that fans engage in this kind of obligatory affective labor, creating secondhand in exchange for personal spiritual enrichment, and focusing more on building and expressing emotions. In addition, as affective laborers, they not only form group symbols because of their shared emotions and concerns but also gain a sense of belonging to a fan community. Throughout the process of controlling comments, the time and energy of fan groups are consumed, their emotions are controlled, and their behavior is restrained, but the immediate purpose they want to achieve is not really achieved. What seems to be an active choice is a trap of alienated labor, being bound and controlled by the forces.