How much are the company and idols responsible for obsessive fans?

Quote from dopiee

That is exactly what I think too. I don't think it's only the companies and idols who are at fault. But they are not as blame free or innocent either.

If you want to call out companies on moral grounds, then you do you. But I don’t think the companies should be responsible for anyone’s immaturity

Definitely if companies wouldn't encourage it and using stuff like fanservice for promotion, hype and traction and if idols wouldn't say shjt like "fans are our girlfriends" and also if idols would be allowed to date openly from the start the obsessiveness would be less, but sick ppl would exist anyway regardless of what company and idol do.

Quote from dummi

AND WHAT OF IT!!!

nothing lol

glad to have you back bimbo #1

Interesting discussion.

Companies very well know what they are selling and idols also aren't naive about it.

In history, artists were selling only their artistic output, but idols - they sell a fantasicized version of their life itself, to build that parasocial relationship with fans.

And while every fan indulges to different degrees, some do become obsessive, a sort of addiction.

Companies and idols know that they aren't selling anything healthy, even if not addictive as Coke-Cocaine, it is unhealthy as Coke-Coca Cola.

Yet like with Coca Cola, that sort unhealthiness is still not illegal in the society.

And the extents also differs between the companies.

Some analysts say that BTS-ARMY is the most successful case, because that "para social" relationship was baked into how BTS was built, from even pre-debut.

ARMY is the primary reason for BTS success.

It is said of Pakistan "That while other nations have an army, with Pakistan the army has a nation".

BTS is like that, while other kpop idol groups have fandoms, with BTS the ARMY-fandom has the idol group.

And now others are following the model

While it is definitely healthy i.e. profitable for business, whether it is healthy both to individual fan or the individual behind the idol, would vary from case to case.

But definitely we see a good percentage of obsession.

Companies definitely know what they are selling and it is not just 'music' and so do idols.

As to the extent of responsibility in obsessiveness, maybe they are as responsible as alcohol manufacturers for drunk driving accidents.

They provide the means and opportunity, but the motive is still that of the individual fan.