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The Science of Fandom

Popular culture in modern life.

Genetics
Celebrating Gene Roddenberry's 100th Birthday

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on August 19, 2021

Did Star Trek have the answers all along? A conversation with Gene Roddenberry's son Rod to celebrate his 100th birthday finds the show's hope and empathy more relevant than ever.

Did Star Trek have the answers all along? A conversation with Gene Roddenberry's son Rod to celebrate his 100th birthday finds the show's hope and empathy more relevant than ever.

Magical Thinking
How Fans Cope When Their Fan Favorites Come to an End

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 29, 2021

With the cancellation of several fan favorite TV shows last week, enthusiasts are facing a genuine loss. A little validation and some individualized coping strategies can help fans heal.

With the cancellation of several fan favorite TV shows last week, enthusiasts are facing a genuine loss. A little validation and some individualized coping strategies can help fans heal.

Media
Fans and Celebrities Are "Ready for Their Cameos"

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on May 4, 2021

Have you ever wanted to have a personal interaction with a celebrity you admire? Two new social media apps aim to bridge the fan/celebrity gap, at least a little.

Have you ever wanted to have a personal interaction with a celebrity you admire? Two new social media apps aim to bridge the fan/celebrity gap, at least a little.

Courtney Summers
Magical Thinking
Is Fandom a Cult?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on March 27, 2021

Is being a passionate fan the same as being in a cult? Bestselling author Courtney Summers (The Project) knows a little bit about both.

Is being a passionate fan the same as being in a cult? Bestselling author Courtney Summers (The Project) knows a little bit about both.

Attention
Why Is That Song Stuck In Your Head?

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on March 2, 2021

Has a piece of music ever gotten stuck in your head? For many fans, that happened with last week's WandaVision theme, "Agatha All Along." Here's why those "earworms" happen.

Has a piece of music ever gotten stuck in your head? For many fans, that happened with last week's WandaVision theme, "Agatha All Along." Here's why those "earworms" happen.

Relationships
When Fan Favorites Disappoint

Lynn Zubernis Ph.D. on February 16, 2021

Some fans of Star Wars, Buffy, and Harry Potter were disappointed by their favorite writers and actors last week. Does that mean giving up on characters they love?

Some fans of Star Wars, Buffy, and Harry Potter were disappointed by their favorite writers and actors last week. Does that mean giving up on characters they love?