Date of Award
5-11-2025
Date Published
June 2025
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Media Studies
Advisor(s)
Nick Bowman
Subject Categories
Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Abstract The study used a Self-Determination Theory (SDT) theoretical framework to explore how toxicity impacts fan engagement in online fan groups in China. An online survey method in China with a sample size of 205 participants was used to measure the hypotheses 1)Toxicity causes fans to feel less autonomy in online groups, 2) Toxicity causes fans to feel less skilled (competence) in online groups, 3) Toxicity causes fans to feel less relatedness in online groups and research questions and the research questions 1) How will autonomy, competence, and relatedness relate to specific fandom behaviors? 2) What is the difference between participants’ group means of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (no longer in fan groups and still in fan groups)? The findings of the research revealed significant and negative correlation in autonomy, competence, and relatedness to support three hypotheses. In addition, the findings of the research revealed the more fans feel autonomy, competence, and relatedness, they were more likely to engage in fandom behaviors, such as “Start a new discussion,” “Response to an ongoing discussion,” and more. Also, the findings of the research revealed fans feel more relatedness and fans were more likely to stay in online fan groups. Another interesting finding is that in China, fans care more about relatedness than autonomy and competence. The importance of the study was to make the public better understand how toxicity impacts fans’ need for satisfaction, potentially helping the public understand the difference between fan behaviors, membership in fan groups, and needs for satisfaction. keywords: toxicity, fandom, fandom behaviors, Self-Determination Theory (SDT)
Access
Open Access
Recommended Citation
Xia, Tian, "How Toxic Communications in Chinese Online Fan Groups affect Fan Engagement" (2025). Theses - ALL. 939.
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/939
