From Imaginary Bonds to Real Solidarity: Parasocial Interaction as a Social Mechanism in Indonesian K-pop Fan Communities Suprapto (a*), Sanggar Kanto (b), Ali Mashuri (c), Anton Novenanto (d)
(a) Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Sciences, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145
*suprapto.93[at]student.ub.ac.id
(b) Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Sciences, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145
(c) Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Sciences, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145
(d) Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Sciences, Brawijaya University, Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145
Abstract
This study investigates the evolving dynamics of parasocial interaction within local BTS fan communities in Indonesia. Their engagement extends beyond merely drawing motivation from idols, reflecting instead their participation in broader social collectives. Employing a digital ethnographic approach, the research explores how parasocial interaction-traditionally conceptualized as a one-sided, imaginary relationship between fans and celebrities-transforms into a complex social mechanism that fosters community solidarity. The findings highlight three key insights: (1) Parasocial interaction not only serves as a basis for emotional attachment between fans and idols but also functions as a catalyst for reciprocal social relationships within the fandom- (2) Rather than being purely individual, parasocial engagement becomes communal, with solidarity constructed through collaborative practices, symbolic exchange, and ongoing negotiation of meaning- and (3) The communities formed through these dynamics exhibit a distinctive cohesiveness, wherein parasocial bonds with idols strengthen offline social networks among fans. This study thus contributes to sociological discourse on media and digital communities, while reaffirming the significance of fandom studies in understanding the cultural transformations of contemporary popular culture.
Keywords: digital community, fan community, K-pop fandom, parasocial interaction, solidarity
Topic: Social Community Dynamics in the Digital Age
