This is so intriguing to me as someone who’s never been a sports fan, or a super fan of any kind. I’m not even sure there’s anything that I’m a “big” fan of either. Like, I like Star Wars more than most other media franchises, but I don’t really follow it or know everything about it. It’s hard for me to imagine being a superfan of something.
@devluz10 ай бұрын
I wonder if some just lack whatever causes people to be fans. I feel repulsed by it. Going to a sports game, concert or convention feels like a stressful workday to me.
@adriano_omg10 ай бұрын
Same here. There are some things I like more than most people, like some comics, and specific books and games. But I wouldn't spend more than a minute of my life arguing in favor of any of it. What I do know is that I don't usually like superfans, because I hate fanaticism of any kind.
@TheSkystrider10 ай бұрын
Akira super fan? Nah, just like it eh. Ah and yeah superfandom is totally a nurtured thing. Some of us just never got huge reward for following sports. Eg, if you got into reading fantasy or comics or got into just about anything besides sports like rock collection or bugs or anything... then sports would be just so dull in comparison. How can a touchdown or goal even begin to compare to the incredible thrill of Frodo and gang escaping the ring wraiths! How can we get excited about some random sports player success when what really sings in our minds is the loyalty and friendship of Sam Gamgee! Something has to have meaning and value to be valuable. What's so valuable about some person who isn't my friend or family becoming a successful sports player? Of course I'd be thrilled if it was a family or friend!
@tonylopez621310 ай бұрын
I agree, I have things that I like, few that I don't like but most I'm neutral. But I am not a fan of any teem, celebrity or franchise. I do not like that horrific orange color though. I prefer marron & white LoL!
@gnarthdarkanen746410 ай бұрын
Just like the fanaticism can be nurtured in children by enthusiastic parents thinking "It's cute" at that age and encouraging it... I think some of us just get raised with a more desirable slant toward "At least PRETEND like you've got a lick of damn brains, kid." SO we don't have to throw a fit when our team wins or loses. We don't have to lose our sh*t if tickets to our favorite band/singer/group are sold out before we get it together to afford to go. We can deal with the disappointment just by saying, well, there's always next time, or maybe their next pass through the town two cities over if I keep up with the finances and have time to plan better... no big deal. Just a personal example... AND think of it what you will... BUT when I was 4 or 5, it was the 80's and I was bordering on obsessed with the "Dukes of Hazzard" on TV. Truth be known I never really lost the speed-bug or being a "gear head"... AND I did go to courses to be a sport and stunt driver, just for personal edification... BUT at 5 when asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I got into a habit of wanting to be a stunt driver for the "Dukes of Hazzard"... Now, understand around this same territory of time, there were deaths of stuntmen AND camera personnel on the set OF THAT SHOW... Maybe my parents over-reacted, but they restricted my access to TV until I could absorb the understanding that a car is a BIG responsibility... I shouldn't want to drive like a g** d*** maniac, jumping over other cars in traffic and tearing sh*t up all the time. That was TV BECAUSE it was stupid and self destructive fun... NOT because it was something a sane adult would do with his or her life... blah-blah-blah... Notice, I DID take those courses??? Well, that started in the military and the FUN courses for "Mil-spec Defensive Driving" (aka "Vehicular Combat Driving")... AND I've had a BLAST in every track and course I could afford to get to. I highly recommend it... BUT that was a distinct DISCOURAGEMENT from becoming or showing my colors as a "fan"... even of a TV show with wild automotive stunts and effects... At the wheel, I am a bit of a prick about everyone wearing seat restraints (yes, I've had a few vehicles with harnesses rather than conventional seat-belts) and conducting themselves within reason in or on the vehicle. I don't hate the show, nor the car... I don't hate or resent my parents. It was arguably a pretty young age to expect a "mature" answer to whatever I wanted to do when I grew up... BUT I can understand a reluctance to encourage that... AND I still got a motorcycle license AND motorcycle at 15, and have since put more than a million miles down the roads in more than a dozen countries over the last 30 years. I'd still rather be on a bike than in a cage, so whatever... and while I knew who Evel Knievel was when I was a kid, and he was just cool... "and so what?" ;o)
@smartereveryday10 ай бұрын
Congrats on the win Joe. Also, Roll Tide til I die. 🐘🌊 Also, Vincent was the best interview in this video. That guy is amazing.
@besmart10 ай бұрын
We can only dream of being as big a fan as Vincent. Hope he took it ok. 😜🤘
@andybearchan10 ай бұрын
There is a great episode on Bluey on how sports rivalry appears to kids. Also, a great example of how parents can include their kids in fandoms in positive ways.
@MariaMartinez-researcher10 ай бұрын
@@besmart I think the psychological studies about fandom may have a fundamental flaw, if they don't study why people, put in the same situation as fans, don't become fans. Example, me. Chilean here, low-middle-class, boomer. My parents were fans of a soccer team called Colo-Colo, the most important in the country. I declared myself a fan of Universidad de Chile, its most important adversary - but it was mostly for kicks, because in truth, I don't care about soccer. I became a Star Trek fan in a household were there was zero interest in science fiction. Same with classical music (my mom called it "your damned music," they never went to concerts - I was in choirs for years), movies (I started to go on my own as soon as I could do it on my own), books (I became a librarian; my dad wanted me to be a secretary), politics (they were leftists, I am centrist), and everything I can think of, I have always done/liked it on my own. Even more, I once joined a Star Trek fan club - left it after a while; they were more interested in costumes and trivia than in actually trying to build a science-based, non-discriminatory society, which I think it's something really important we humans could (should) do even if we don't ever meet people from other worlds and never figure out how to trek to the stars. So... How can psychologist who study fandom explain the cases of lone wolfs like myself relying on biology and social pressure only? This video and your mention of love reminded me of another video of yours I disagreed with: the one explaining parental love as a genetic imperative. What about adoptive parents? Don't they ""really"" love their kids? Explaining the exceptions to the rules is what, I think, makes studies really positive - as in truthful.
@yoshtg10 ай бұрын
i don't know exactly where i should place destin, on the one side he is a very curious and smart science guy but on the other side he is a religious redneck. i wouldn't even have thought that something like this is possible, like, usually you are either one or the other not both at the same time. like how can you know that the universe does not revolve around humanity and humanity not being the center of the universe but then despite knowing that believing that not only humanity would be the center of everything but the religion of the western culture (christianity) being the ultimate truth. it makes no sense. like how do you come to the conclusion that the western cultures religion would be the ultimate truth if science shows us that not only are there many different kinds of cultures and religions which already makes it unlikely for christianity to be one out of the hundreds religions thats coincidentally the right one but then we also know that we humans arent even the center of the universe, we aren't even the center of our solar system. so not only do we know that its very unlikely that out of all religions you are coincidentally born in the region where they teach the correct one but its even more unlikely that ANY religion in humanities existence gave us the truth because the people who invented these religions didnt even know basics about physics back then when they invented the religions
@alexfolfy165710 ай бұрын
@@yoshtgyou just explaind exactly how I feel about religion
@jerryjung116910 ай бұрын
I love how he 100% talked about our political biases without ever mentioning it at all. Well done.
@tomlxyz6 ай бұрын
This is just about in group vs outgroup which applies to any groups and doesn't have to be political
@neo.d15 ай бұрын
so true!!
@PeterFreese10 ай бұрын
This was a particularly interesting video for me. I have always been confused by fandom and find myself uncomfortable around super-fan behavior (whether sports, music, celebrities, religion, etc.). Even for something I would normally like, I find myself distancing from those who view it as a tribal purity thing or shibboleth. I guess my individuality-assimilation curve is skewed very far to the left.
@richardh808210 ай бұрын
@PeterFreese Same
@crazywilly8510 ай бұрын
Same here.
@brandonspencer709310 ай бұрын
I'm a superfan of TND. I think these people are cowards who redirect the energy normally used to save their society towards a lame sportsball team.
@elisebrown515710 ай бұрын
Same here as well. I certainly have things I enjoy, but I don't define my personality or my identity by them. I really really don't understand all the energy around sports, especially. I would like to understand more why people fall where they do on that individuality/assimilation graph. What is it about our individual biology that places us where we fall?
@Drewface1410 ай бұрын
Yep I scrolled to the comments to see who else thought like this. I am also a left side of the graph person, which means we are unlikely to make a club about being on the left side of the graph. The right side of the graph should make a right side club though that would be pretty funny :p
@LebXToxic8 ай бұрын
Don’t think the dream analogy aged well 💀
@TalEdds10 ай бұрын
Being an introvert and individualistic, I never understood the fascination with certain people, sports or otherwise, like parasocial relationships. This video gave me some idea why people think this way.
@ryanhorsley996510 ай бұрын
I'm with you. If someone is intelligent, high-achieving, talented, or otherwise distinguished by personal achievement, I really can't see how they can relate to the idea of resigning their individuality to wear matching costumes, purchase tacky trinkets, and parasocially devote themselves to the minutae of the lives of game players who they will never know personally. Seeing the two hosts of this channel adopting this behavior is an odd cultural artifact which I find interesting.
@ghostfacepacifist604610 ай бұрын
@@ryanhorsley9965Its simple Mr.Burns, because they're part of the community. Traveling to a event & hanging out with your friends & family is 50% the reason people go to sport event or any events for that matter
@semaj_502210 ай бұрын
@@ryanhorsley9965 Community and shared interests are a huge draw, regardless of how "intelligent or success" a person is. I don't think being a fan of something detracts from anyone's individuality, but increases it by adding another aspect alongside their other, preexisting traits. Of course when someone goes _full_ super fan and makes that fandom their whole personality, that's another matter. But you can be pretty damn into something, wear the clothes, have the bumper stickers, etc and still he distinctly "yourself."
@victory928510 ай бұрын
Really? But introverts are deeply passionate people, a lot even struggle with obsession.
@jobigoud10 ай бұрын
I also have a hard time understanding it. In the video I still think the people are giving tongue in cheek answers, they can't really be serious when they say they wouldn't accept if their kid brought a fan of a rival team home. Same as for being a superfan of your country (that you didn't choose) to the point of thinking that it's superior to the others.
@feliciaycl7 ай бұрын
Hey Joe, I am sharing your channel with my "Public Speaking" class; it is part of my assignment to share who is my favourite youtube that is good at giving informative speeches. I want to thank you for your awesome videos. Your videos, especially those from last year have been very inspiring to me. I have not heard/thought of those topics you brought up. I truly learned a lot from your videos. Keep up the good work and please make more quality videos to tickle my brain. And yes, I am one of the patrons who love to support you.
@sciencenerd763910 ай бұрын
It's fun to be a fan, just don't get too carried away
@JermoZif10 ай бұрын
I adore a book that's called The Five Levels Of Attachment. It conceptualized the different degrees of attachment from preference to fanaticism. Very insightful and highly recommend.
@VicJang10 ай бұрын
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
@Sunflowersarepretty10 ай бұрын
Im not into sports but I am into music and movie fandoms. To me its all about finding people who have a similar taste in movies or shows like me and it just feels good that you've something in common with a person you don't know.
@goldman777009 ай бұрын
A sense of community can be empowering.
@tanishachoudhuri5 ай бұрын
Very well said, I am part of a music artist's fandom, the people around me, not so much, it's nice knowing that there are people in the world who have the same interests as me, like Joe said, it gives me a sense of belonging even though I don't know these other people personally
@Dibudab10 ай бұрын
The whole tribalism thing has it's dark sides. Most of my experience with sports fandoms is with fans being aggressive, oppressive, violent and obnoxious. Something you don't see with any other type of fandom really. I hope that it's different with American Football, but where I'm from seeing Soccer fans in their colors always has me on edge and feeling endangered. I know that many of them feel (and often are) empowered by that tribalistic us Vs them mentality. Some of my most dangerous encounters with random strangers were with sports fans that I had no business with.
@ryanhorsley996510 ай бұрын
It is often that bad, but not commonly. Some sports fans definitely use their obsession with their team as an excuse to harm members of the outgroup (other fans or non-fans) and damage property. Most are merely benign people who really don't have any success to call their own so they develop a parasocial relationship with a team and claim its success as theirs.
@maromania710 ай бұрын
Ongoing fandoms don't usually hit this because there's new content to keep things flowing, but they can DEFINITELY still run into issues with mob mentality. Sports groups act like that because they're meeting in such massive numbers with fever pitch emotions, but the same can happen with ANY fandom. Like when Yu-gi-oh fans sold out a stadium for the new pack...but when the Exodia release was cancelled, the riot turned into practically a hostage situation where government riot police had to swarm in. Look at the "Pickle Rick" incident, at homestuck fans becoming suddenly notorious for getting kicked out of hotels. It's mob mentality. Fandoms don't SEEM as bad because you don't see them rioting through the streets like sports fans, but when they get together they can definitely be just as bad
@0rderofTheWhiteLotus10 ай бұрын
I feel genuinely EXACTLY the way you do. I can't disassociate such superfandom from tribal aggression and division
@jamesmnguyen10 ай бұрын
Coincidentally, Dream, who was mentioned in this video, experiences cases of extreme tribalism with his fans. There are people who strongly defend him to the point where he had to publicly tell his fans not to make aggressive comments towards others.
@AryaPDipa10 ай бұрын
lol you thought aggression and things like that only happens in sports fandom
@Morningblossom10 ай бұрын
The part about assimilating our parents "fandom" was very interesting to me, because I feel I experienced the opposite. As children my parents liked to take me and my siblings to games all around the country and I am just so not interested in anything sports. I hated having to spend time in the Stadions and I still wouldn't choose to go there. If you asked my favourite team I would still say my parents' team, but I would deny being a fan.
@DianaTaffie10 ай бұрын
Might've been related to pre-adult rebellion feelings that most people have and being subjected to games so much made you rather resent than fan over.
@arifbagusprakoso230810 ай бұрын
Maybe, you're just love 'being unique' more than 'being in group'. In a graph shown in video, your happiness is optimum towards left side. But still, the fact that your parent shape your favourite team support the 'parent (society) assimilation' theory.
@SparkyWrench10 ай бұрын
I was in a leadership training group and we went to Austin and got to speak one on one with state officials. One of the most interesting things we were told from the LEO side was that when the Cowboys lose domestic violence calls increase dramatically, esp when it's an important game.
@annaabney142013 күн бұрын
Isn't it terrifying? Superfandom, religious fervor, etc., are the dark side of human nature.
@safaiaryu1210 ай бұрын
Community!! Yes!! That's the biggest thing!!! I have met SO many wonderful people through sharing fandoms. Pokémon Go is a big one. It was big when I moved to a small town where I knew hardly anyone. I made a huge, tight-knit group of friends of all stripes that I still keep up with after moving away. I met my partner talking on a forum about YuGiOh, and made many more friends in that fandom on a couple different websites over the years. My love of theatre connected me with one of my best friends, who ended up getting me into my current career, which I am good at and is very meaningful to me (and has nothing to do with theatre, lol). This isn't exactly what you're talking about, but it does remind me of the concept of social capital... or cultural capital... I always get those confused. But basically, there is inherent value in things like art, reading books, watching movies, etc etc because they help you make connections with others, and those connections can help you move up in the world. I think fandoms are like a hyperfocused example of that. Also... I really love how media fandoms inspire creativity. Depending on your skills and level of devotion, a fandom can inspire a person to learn how to create art, learn to sew an outfit or mold props, learn how to moderate a forum or build websites, learn to write and create deep characters and interesting plots and write compelling arguments, learn how to code or animate or develop a game or other software, learn literary or film analysis, engage in history or dance or martial arts that they wouldn't otherwise be interested in, maybe even learn to run a business because of something in their fandom... Listen, I think all of that is INCREDIBLE. So what if you got into Japanese language because of watching anime? Or if you found your love of reading by starting with Twilight?? I don't think it's okay that we make people feel ashamed of this stuff. Yes, there are a couple awful people who give fans and fandoms a bad name, but overall, I genuinely think fandoms make the world a better place.
@CountGremlin10 ай бұрын
Never understood the hype about sports ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@ryanhorsley996510 ай бұрын
It allows people of low achievement and personal merit to live vicariously through big, strong, fast men for an hour or two. Once the game ends, they can go back to being feeble broom-pushers until the next game allows another escape.
@markrepp875010 ай бұрын
Been a big fan of both of you guys and watch both of your content. This was a real uplifting moment for me seeing you guys together.
@jdperdomo10 ай бұрын
I'm all in for "being part of a group" and being fan of some band or sport team. It can be really fun. But fanatism seems to bring more problems that you might like. Where I live, football fans (soccer, in this case) frequently kidnap bus drivers and their buses to bring "fans" to the stadium. They might fight to dead for their team, and don't mind hurting anybody on the other side, or even the referees/umpires/whatever. Doing that for something so superficial, even when it can clearly affect your emotions, feels pretty "backwards" to me. I understand that most people don't do this, but some also allow it or even celebrate it. "Condemnation" seems to be the right thing to do in this extreme cases. I've met people that, since they like Megadeth, hate Metallica. Wich might be some of the stupidest behaviors ever. I can understand if you don't like a band, but hating it because you think you can't like both... It's your loss. Both Megadeth and Metallica are amazing, and enjoying both can give you more hapiness. At least, that's how I feel. Also, fanatism can prevent you to see the "wrongs" in whatever you're doing, specially if it affects your family.
@TheSwauzz10 ай бұрын
The biggest example of how detrimental tribalism is in modern day is the US two party system. It needlessly pits one side against another, and therefore no one stops and thinks about how everyone's point can have validity. I argue that Joe and Destin are not superfans. They aren't serious when they say they hate other fans. I guarantee they will be playful and teasing, but not hateful. Sadly, there's still too many that are actual fanatics and are ultimately dangerous because of it. Since when is being literally obsessed with anything a good thing anyway?
@ikhbjhbkm510 ай бұрын
Old habits die hard. 500,000 years ago anything not ""being part of [your] group" was trying to kill and eat you.
@michaelmayhem35010 ай бұрын
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege it owning yourself.
@ImeanWhoElse10 ай бұрын
What if you're a rare introvert who is annoyed by group activity? This stuff ALWAYS seems weird to me. I just can't hack the wanting to be surrounded by strangers and becoming a Super fan of things I can’t control. A lot of this stuff that people say are biological just doesn't register to me. I hope I'm not a psycho.
@TalEdds10 ай бұрын
I am exactly with you on this. I am slightly on the spectrum, so it kinda makes sense to me why I am the way I am.
@DianaTaffie10 ай бұрын
Just autistic most likely. A lot of us are more borked than most of us AND normal people realize, and this is one of those things. Makes me sad i can't experience being a fan, not even a super.
@DudeWhoSaysDeez10 ай бұрын
Same, I have absolutely zero interest in going to a game with thousands of people, all screaming, over a team that catches a ball.
@DianaTaffie10 ай бұрын
@@JohnLA1980 Being rational is not very human, though. And you WAAAY overestimate the number of people not being superfans and other stuff.
@ChinnuWoW10 ай бұрын
@@DianaTaffie You think that millions of people is an overestimation out of the 8 billion in the world? So less than 0.1% aren't superfans of a sports team? It's actually more like billions. Superfans don't even make up the majority of people. You're insane.
@mountvernon526710 ай бұрын
"We won! We won!" No - the people playing the sportsball game out on the field won...you watched.
@ryanhorsley996510 ай бұрын
Parasocial relationships are weird. I doubt the players, coaches, and team owners have any interest at all in the fans outside of their ability to spend money and offer sexual favors. Otherwise, the fans are just the annoying losers who keep you from being able to eat at restaurants or be in public in peace.
@semaj_502210 ай бұрын
@@ryanhorsley9965 Or, you know, the people who bring money to the industry? There's a ton of players and coaches in sports that go out of their way to not only acknowledge their fans but also give back to them. Without fans, competitive sports wouldn't really exist. Also, it's okay to just..let people enjoy things.
@StyeAI10 ай бұрын
@@ryanhorsley9965so negative
@rh45110 ай бұрын
What is absolutely terrifying is super-fans of their political party. They prioritize the comfort of being a member of the party over the consequences of the actions their party takes.
@seanmccaul303410 ай бұрын
I am a super fan of Be Smart and PBS Digital Studios! More accurately, I am a super fan of people and things that make the world a better place and move us closer to the kind of world we want for ourselves and our children. Scientists, health workers, philosophers, and activists (and the causes they support) have replaced the things that I used to follow most enthusiastically. But, as you may have guessed, I am a well-established nerd myself. Great episode!
@magnumxlpi10 ай бұрын
I hate people that say "we" when referring to their favorite team. "We played really well yesterday. So proud of us". Like you didn't do anything and no one talks like this about anything else. No one gets a new phone and says, "yea really proud of the work we've done. We upgraded the processor, better camera. It's amazing to see what we've done"
@joel2958510 ай бұрын
you probably would if you worked at Apple though, right? even if you were in the HR department or something and had nothing to do with the development of the phone. being a longhorn fan isn't a formal organization the way that a company like Apple is, but it's still an organization, albeit an informal one. I think people use "we" like this all time in talking about their work, nation, religion, ethnic background, political party etc etc even when they didn't contribute much or anything to whatever success or failure they're referring to. Just doesn't seem that strange to me.
@magnumxlpi10 ай бұрын
@joeldeeter2958 no I wouldnt if I had nothing to do with whatever was being discussed 😂 I feel like your life must be pretty meaningless if you do this. You have nothing else going on that you've done personally, so you attach yourself to the accomplishments or failures of others?
@silviavalentine381210 ай бұрын
@@magnumxlpicouldn't have said it better!
@semaj_502210 ай бұрын
People saying that don't think they're literally part of the team or anything, just a member of the associated community. That is what the "we" is referring to. It's referencing association, not personal accomplishment. Language has nuance, you know.
@4124V4TA-SNPCA-x3 ай бұрын
I often hear the same after elections by non politicians with no perceived gains at all. Like they are a super fan of an unrelated political party... Go figure.
@CorpusOrganic10 ай бұрын
from that survey, i'm a superfan of facts. took me a moment to figure out. at first i thought it was science. but that didn't fit. possibly education. only took me realizing that would include history, social studies and such to realize that didn't fit i hate seeing facts losing more then you can ever imagine. the biggest thing i hate about being wrong is when it's because i don't have the facts straight, or don't the facts
@radiumbreon210910 ай бұрын
Watching this as a current UT student is hilarious. The celebration after the game was insane over here in Austin. Hook ‘em Horns! 🤘🏼
@melaniegilbert322610 ай бұрын
Joe and Dustin on the same channel. This is my happiness for the week.
@DaKoTazy10 ай бұрын
This crossover made me indescribably excited
@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_8810 ай бұрын
I love this colab!!
@dailydopamine323910 ай бұрын
Here in Argentina the fanaticism for football/soccer is incredible; it has risen to the point where away fans are banned from attending games due to the risk of violence breaking out
@jasminnyack172410 ай бұрын
So I am a socially anxious human so I am a fan of things, but I get overwhelmed and stay outside of groups. But I am SO FACSINATED by superfans. One, I do love how it seems to be connected to people and that world takes over things because it seems like you get to be part of a group. But also, sometimes the amount of money people spend on it. (also I tend to be a fan of ActualPlays like Critical Role and Dimension20)
@TheSwauzz10 ай бұрын
As many others, I'm not a superfan of anything. I'm just a regular fan of many things. My passion lies in being accepting and open to pretty much everything so I can learn and grow. I have never liked to put myself in a box, which does come with it's own challenges. But I find superfandoms promote unhealthy competition and toxicity, general close-mindedness and prevents exploring other things that might be beneficial or interesting. Not to mention how violent people can become over something that ultimately does not matter. The rest of my family is super fans of something. I wonder why it didn't stick with me. I would posit it's even more detrimental these days because of the internet. Many people cement themselves in echo chambers, which continues to perpetuate damaging biases and ill thoughts and intent towards others that are different than them. Different perspectives should be lauded, not shunned. Other people's passions can be celebrated and respected without a need for a rivalry or judgment.
@jasonremy162710 ай бұрын
The collab I didn't know i needed. But, oh did I.
@christianterrill350310 ай бұрын
What if I hate everything?
@UnknownFlyingPancake10 ай бұрын
I feel like there's a huge difference between general fandom and something like sports. People can be drawn to music because it suits their taste, or people because they express an aesthetic or demeanor that they like or identify with. They can like a show or game for the characters, story, design, etc. A lot of times people become fans of these things regardless of what the people around them are fans of, sometimes in straight up opposition to their family's taste. A lot of people are huge fans of things all by themselves without any friends or family that share the same interest. Sports teams seem to be unique from what people would typically call "fandom". I think this video paints an extremely wide brush and as a result does a strong disservice in understanding these phenomenons.
@JSalesFilm10 ай бұрын
fandom results in so many vulnerabilities. Definitely good to be informed about why it exists. Thanks for making this.
@buddinghumanist628510 ай бұрын
All sorts of fandoms, as well as political and social tribes generally, have made me more and more uncomfortable over the years; in fact, in our current world, I think they might be more harmful than helpful (no, this doesn't mean people can't enjoy stuff/agree on stuff together and adore each other's company). The biological basis of it all is interesting, and the fact that something's biological certainly doesn't diminish its meaning. However, the biological basis of something also does not necessarily make that something virtuous or moral. Fandom/tribalism/etc. is another urge that we must learn to control if we are to survive and, ideally, flourish.
@TheSwauzz10 ай бұрын
Agreed. Tribalism is not a necessity any longer. Giving in to those base instincts just tells me you're not evolved enough. People feeling bored with their lives or alone is a big contributor to becoming a superfan of something. I find sports superfans to still be a different breed of people. A lot of them use it as an excuse to drink and party, or it's literally one of the only ways they know how to socialize. The more a person pigeonholes themselves into their fandom, the more they essentially isolate themselves from fans of other things too. I also think people confuse being passionate about something with being a superfan of something. They are not the same thing at all. People can feel passion for or about something without being a superfan.
@TalEdds10 ай бұрын
I see this biological drive causing the people in the world to splinter apart. I am all for fighting this natural urge, to bring all people together and advance as a species.
@buddinghumanist628510 ай бұрын
@@TheSwauzz I couldn’t agree more, my friend.
@buddinghumanist628510 ай бұрын
@@TalEdds Exactly. 👍🏻
@DudeWhoSaysDeez10 ай бұрын
As someone who has absolutely zero interest in sports, I find it interesting when people devote their entire personality and lives to a team.
@Tharkon10 ай бұрын
One thing that always confused me about sports fans (besides that they enjoy completer strangers playing a game over playing it themselves for some reason) is that their appreciation for one team somehow seems to depends on their hate for other teams, and not just the other teams, but hate for everyone that does like those teams. It's something that you don't see as much with movies or music or games.
@Istandby66610 ай бұрын
But you do see it in religion. It's amazing how religious people belittle others who don't believe in the same ideologies as them, including other religions.
@iprobablyforgotsomething10 ай бұрын
It can happen in music. Check out kpop fan-wars. And you can see it in the American music scene whenever two or more artists have a beef with each other and suddenly fans are choosing sides and engaging in internet warfare (though thankfully not usually irl, even if the actual celebs do get violent with each other).
@Istandby66610 ай бұрын
@@iprobablyforgotsomething You can go back to the 80's and see the same thing. Look up Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. Our Internet back then was magazines.
@maithyy171110 ай бұрын
i have been a fan of a manga series named "Bungo strays dogs" for nearly 3y. And it's true that other people in fandom has kept me up in long-term 😊
@derpderpington1003 ай бұрын
This brought back so many good memories. I'm a superfan of geeky things like Star Wars and Doctor Who, but I'm also a huge fan of FC Barcelona. My friends all know this and many of them are Barca fans as well. I love the feeling of community that comes from this and I remember crying for an entire hour (tears of joy) when Messi won the world cup in 2022. However, it was always very important to me to respect the opposition team and acknowledge that they're just fans like I am. Therefore I've never had a problem with fans of real Madrid or with Real Madrid themselves (Barca's arch rivals) - in fact, many of my favourite footballers of the 2010s were from Real Madrid.
@crazywilly8510 ай бұрын
What's weird to me is seeing brand fans, like cars, Nvidia vs Amd, Apple etc.
@Gloworm1710 ай бұрын
Brands like Tesla and Apple use this to their advantage. Making an "elite" tribe.
@crazywilly8510 ай бұрын
@@Gloworm17 Yeah, its shitty behavior from those companies. Also weird that people don't see that they are being taken advantage of.
@TheSkystrider10 ай бұрын
Since a little boy I've never understood the draw to *watching* sports. *Playing* sports is for sure one of the most fun things to do! Some people love making art or writing code or rescuing dogs or researching xyz - but have you ever met anyone addicted to *watching* people do those things? I personally love dirt biking, downhill skiing, hiking and camping but I dont watch anyone doing those things. That would be so dull.
@silviavalentine381210 ай бұрын
Exactly! Why watch when you can experience it yourself is what I always said. There's actually a south park episode about out it
@tagAught10 ай бұрын
Definitely a super fan of science fiction and fantasy! And yes, the in-group is a powerful pull.
@VicJang10 ай бұрын
Great video! I’m personally a big fan of a metal band and used to be a extreme super fan (level 10, if you would) of a piano KZfaqr. (No longer “super” due to the change of attitude of the KZfaqr toward their fans, which is likely caused by their burnout, unfortunately.) Having been a super fan myself, I find the biological side of being part of a fandom fascinating and would love to know more about it. Especially when the fandom focuses more on the appreciation of the thing rather than the rivalry, because sometimes there’s not much rivalry involved when I’m just deeply in love with a band, a musician, or a person as a fan. Also, it would’ve been awesome if you also spoke with super fans in other fandom such as musicians, video games, anime, etc besides just sports fans. But I understand the context was the football game so it makes sense that you focus on people you met that weekend. Nevertheless, great interviews and analysis!
@melaniehopkins364710 ай бұрын
I am in love with David Tennant. I used to write him letters to his home address in London but after some thought I decided it might be considered stalking, so i stopped. If people called me a fan, i would correct them and say I am not a fan or even a superfan. I am in love with him. I have no desire to see him or meet him unless the experience would be as memorable for him as it is for me. I'm 65 years old and realize that what he puts out into the world may not be who he really is. But I still love him unconditionally. I am married and very much in love with my husband, so I am sure I know what love is and I love David Tennant. The only fan letter I ever sent was to Robert Heinlein. I admit I am a superfan and have read almost everything he wrote more than once and everything written about him. I have other favorite authors that I am a fan of. I try to read everything they've written at least once.
@joshklein266210 ай бұрын
I wonder how the intensity of peoples’ answers to similar survey questions would vary between people who are superfans of something with an opposing force (like sports, i.e. the “enemy” team) versus superfans of something without an opposing force (like a famous musician). Great episode!
@marialeroux509410 ай бұрын
As a person from Oklahoma and Sooners fan, I don't know if I could keep watching this channel. 😜
@christiancaputo760210 ай бұрын
I’m an Oklahoma State fan, and today, after this video, I’ve made the controversial decision to cheer for OU against Texas on Saturday, purely cause that one guy was mean to Oklahoma
@Jim-Stick10 ай бұрын
This was a cross over I wouldn't expect but I am delighted to see.
@nathnich10 ай бұрын
As a previous UT student living in Huntsville, AL, I can't help smile when UT wins. Sorry Destin.
@windbringer989010 ай бұрын
as a A&M fan my respect for your taste in sports has fallen greatly
@zolacnomiko10 ай бұрын
I love that your sportsfan shirt colors precisely match the Be Smart logo
@johnlaycock138910 ай бұрын
I'm also a scientist, a dad, a giant nerd AND a UT fan. I feel so much kinship with Joe right now! Also, I didn't know how much Bryant-Denny stadium looks like DKR.
@miss__anthropy10 ай бұрын
First of all, as a UT alum, obligatory HOOK 'EM, even though I don't care about sports. As for fandom... a few months ago I discovered the band Sleep Token (WORSHIP), and it was like some switch in my brain got flipped. I am a grown-ass adult woman, but this band makes me feel like a teenager. I've developed friendships based on this band, I own [redacted because of how embarrassing it is amount of money] worth of merch, I dive into the lyrics and the Lore (yes, bands can have Lore!) and try to interpret it with other people. I drove four hours to see them in concert and showed up 3 hours before the doors opened and waited in 95° heat, and the line was already three blocks long when I got there (side note: Sleep Token fans are INTO IT). Being around other people who were looking at the merch stuff and saying "oh, I already own something with that pattern on it" or making a pun on a song lyric and having the people around you Get It were amazing feelings. I don't really have any animus toward people who dislike the band, though. I figure different people like different things. But being able to connect over something you feel strongly about is such a unique and amazing feeling. I hope everyone gets to experience that at least once.
@jdrew50010 ай бұрын
Interesting concept. I have always wondered why I don't really care about anything that much, and I do not understand people that must go overboard about anything. I mean I went to U of Nebraska but don't care if they win or lose. I am a big Start Trek fan but I really like Star Wars too. Marvel puts on some great movies but when DC puts out a movie I'll be there too. I don't really care about anything enough to get out of bed early or at all for it. Oh, also I am not depressed or lonely or a curmudgeon.
@AJBlueJay10 ай бұрын
Sorry I just can't anymore with people with sports ocd, mood swings, or personality disorders. Been there done that.
@trevinbeattie488810 ай бұрын
Counter question: why do I, who am also a big science nerd, not care one whit about sports teams? (In spite of that difference I love you both 😊 and I love this dive into psychology.)
@peterq197810 ай бұрын
this is generally for sports fans, for Trekkies for example too.....
@richardh808210 ай бұрын
@trevinbeattie4888 Also same.
@jnmarshmello272810 ай бұрын
I have the same though process
@peterq197810 ай бұрын
i am both a NUFC fan and a sci-fi and science nerd, this is a generalization.
@semaj_502210 ай бұрын
Then there's weirdos like me who love certain sports and science both, though if I had to pick only one it would definitely be science.
@lazy_biscuits089 ай бұрын
I became a huge shows and movies nerd a few years back! And honestly this made me realize why the discussion threads for the shows I watch feel like the best part to me.
@richardson03279 ай бұрын
A fan of your channel!!
@Mithrandir3910 ай бұрын
I thought it was great to see a quick shot of the "Riders fans in this video even though they are CFL. "Riders fans are known all across Canada as the most loyal fans. Loved seeing them.
@sshilander10 ай бұрын
Ravenclaw army here 💙 💜 such a superfan
@OurHeroXero10 ай бұрын
It is a very thin line that separates a fan and a fanatic (and transitions from one to the other can be dangerous). Be safe everyone.
@montikore8 ай бұрын
I'm a huge fan of destin. His channel is amongst my very favorites. Great collab! 🤘🤘
@jessicalee322910 ай бұрын
I'm a huge star wars fan. A couple years ago, I built a full First Order Stormtrooper armor, and wore it to work for Halloween. My boss sees me, and goes "I'm 95% sure that's Jess in there". I scream "who the F is the other 5%?!!?!!". New hires are told that if they need to find me for something, to go upstairs and look for the "star wars desk". Many of my coworkers will drop off little gifts of Star Wars related items, whenever they get to go to Galaxy's Edge. Even the CEO of my company did it, and my desk is a hit with coworker's kids. However, this week when I mentioned off hand that I've been too busy to watch Ahsoka (the latest Star Wars show), my boss called a meeting to discuss my current workload because that was a red flag of burn out.
@Anti-AntiAintI10 ай бұрын
As a former Bears and White Sox fan, the ability to be a Super Fan of ANYTHING has been destroyed. Everything I like is permanently stuck at casual level.
@SunsetDragon10 ай бұрын
This is unrelated to the video, but I had this video in my tabs for a while. I clicked on it (forgetting it was a Be Smart video) and started watching. I was immediately like OMG IS THAT JOE FROM THE BE SMART CHANNEL?? before realizing it was his video.. ahaha..
@anita460910 ай бұрын
As a European I tended to associate sports superfandom with violence and vandalism. Is that not a thing in the US? Like don't you see fans of opposing team engaging in physical altercations after a football game?
@drcbeartooths6 ай бұрын
I'm not a fan or super fan of anything ... AND found this way interesting and fun. thanks. please make lots more of all your topics - I am enjoying each!
@CrazyCuteThing10 ай бұрын
As a Ute fan, Alabama fans were very respectful when we played them in the 2009 Sugar bowl. Some fans of other teams are hateful.
@roguedogx10 ай бұрын
18:06 cars in general, but if I had to pick a few I'm a "uber nut" for currently. -Ford GT350R (maybe the dark horse can finally hold a candle to it) -Lucid air -ferrari 458 -Very big fan of FCEV right now.
@Karin_Allen10 ай бұрын
LOL at 13:06 - I'd been telling myself you *couldn't* leave out BTS! 😆💜
@saelesbonsazse991910 ай бұрын
I'm not a superfan of anything! My brother says I lack "passion". But I've always felt confused as to why someone would engage such bizarre behaviors as those of fans and superfans and why people normalize them. We, the not fans, are somehow the outliers in a world of fandom!!
@maromania710 ай бұрын
because most people are big fans of SOMETHING, so yes. You are the outlier by not having a fandom. That's not a bad thing, but it's normalized because it is normal, in the basic sense of the word.
@chessmyantidrug10 ай бұрын
My biggest fandoms are the Kansas City Chiefs and Boston Red Sox. I wear a Red Sox polo at work when they're playing, Chiefs polo when they don't. I follow the Chiefs more closely than the Red Sox these days, but I've been a Red Sox fan a little longer. Most people who know me know my fandoms are a big part of who I am.
@hettyscetty978510 ай бұрын
This is fascinating as a fan of the Scottish Premier League and more specifically Rangers Football Club (don't start a fight in the comments). I get the whole superfan thing and family pressure thing. Most of my immediate family are Rangers fans. But watching Rangers win their 55th league title without losing a match during a pandemic was amazing. Seeing the fans stick with the team after relegation and administration showed how loyal the fan's really were. I grew up watching Rangers, I grew up in the era of Walter Smith's Management. I watched him do a lap of honour around Ibrox park when he retired and stood in silence when he passed. Rangers 'til I die is not just a line in a chant it shows that Rangers is a way of life. That's just my sports fandom's I am also a huge dork. I love things like Ninja Turtles, the MCU, The last Airbender and a horde of other things. I just thought that my love for and current frustration with my team was more pertinent than my love of these things. I also support the Scotland National team who are actually doing really well, something that wasn't happening until around two or three years ago so it's an exciting time for Scottish Football. 'Mon the Tartan Army.
@vishvdhanraj55478 ай бұрын
Amazing Video. I really enjoyed the way the math added up and how the graph demonstrated how our brain works like this. Thank you for this great video. Also, I'm a super-fan of Pokemon.
@Alexandros.Mograine10 ай бұрын
I'd say big part is because of democracy/modern society. I feel like alot of people, men expecially feel like they dont have a purpose or something to rally with. It is no wonder, that most sports fans are men. While wars became less common, sports superfans surged. Sports teams give people a sense of identity that is very lost in the modern day USA. Europe has alot of different identities, and those drove alot of the wars we had.
@LichTsula10 ай бұрын
I'm a superfan of learning, that's why I like your videos.
@krellend2010 ай бұрын
I've long had this niggling thought that I am some sort of alien living among humans. The feeling waxes and wanes in strength, but I think this video has possibly made it stronger than it ever has been before. This entire psychology is just so far outside my own personal experience it's like I'm learning about an entirely different species.
@TheSwauzz10 ай бұрын
Nah. You're not alone at all. More and more people agree with you when it comes to super fandoms. As they say, it's pretty cringe.
@richarizard5264 ай бұрын
What kinda thought 🤨
@neo.d15 ай бұрын
most usefull video...to prevent myself from meaningless meanings
@WooMaster77710 ай бұрын
Where did this rivalry between my two favorite science guys come from, and why am I now JUST discovering it? I LOVE the back and forth between these two! 😆😆🥰🥰
@collin455510 ай бұрын
Yeah I don't know. While I feel the desire for social connection, the idea that I have some kind of innate need for a group identity doesn't comport with my experiences at all. I don't belong to any fandoms.
@donaldbenjamin635810 ай бұрын
Kinda disappointing how all the top comments are mostly about how people think superfandom is bad. Joe spent a good portion of this episode taking about the benefits of being part of a group, and it seems like that went over a lot of people's heads. I'm not a superfan of any team or group, but i don't think that it's inherently bad.
@fartzinwind10 ай бұрын
I'm in IT for a a few constructions related companies, where cearly 99.99999999% of the employees are into Outdoor hunting, phishing and sports ball. I'm that .000001 % of the company who has ZERO interest in sports. I often get asked "well are you into e-sports" and I say no. I don't follow any teams of any kind in any sport. People genuinely can't seem to process that. You can see the gears grinding to a holt in their heads, they still bring up names of teams and players as if it's inhuman to not know them. I get asked "what team are you rooting for" all the time with Zero context as if everyone who could possibly be in the building knows exactly what game they are talking about. There have even been several Pro football players in my office that are just huge dudes hanging out in jersey shorts to me, I didn't know their names before anyone told me. They are always super chill about hanging out at our office.
@kcpth10 ай бұрын
Great collab... I love watching you both. I hope you guys will collaborate with other science shows like ASAP Science and SciShow
@ElicBehexan10 ай бұрын
I have lived in Austin since 1955. I never wanted to go to UT. I didn't. I rented a house that UT bought and that made me actually hate the university. My sister went to SWTSU, now Texas State. My cousin from New Jersey came down and went there and both my brother and I went there for a time. Am I a fan of the school, more than UT. I graduated from Texas Woman's, the "sister' school to A&M. Am I a fan of A&M? No. My brother's ex came to Austin just because it would make her mother angry, as a doctor who graduated from A&M. Her father did too, but he didn't get angry. My sister lived in OKC for a while, not a Sooner fan. She lived in Arlington TX and I have no idea what school is there, but not a fan. She lived in Pasco WA for just less than a couple of years, whatever, not a fan. She's now in Knoxville TN and she's a big Lady Vols fan. As she's a month away from 66, I suspect she's planning on staying there forever. Just like I have no plans, at least not now, of leaving Austin. If I did, I'd move to Kerrville because my BFF lives there.
@caliaslorema300810 ай бұрын
I did a pretty in-depth paper on this in one of my sociology courses. I even went to live college football games (I had never even seen a game on TV all the way through) and did a participant observation, took detailed notes, and documented the signs, signals, rituals, etc. It was fascinating to watch!
@huntertausch190910 ай бұрын
"How much do you dislike your team's rivals" Well I'm a buckeye, so I think that's self explanatory.
@thanongnet10 ай бұрын
couldve explored a little bit of the bad side of being a super fan. how people fight and take it too far. i would of liked to hear about that
@MinecraftTestSquad10 ай бұрын
Heyyy!! I'm not big into sports but I love the UT campus and I'm a student here. Bio major :D:D That's super cool to hear, maybe if I'm lucky I'll stumble into you one day and get a chance to greet you
@AliceYobby10 ай бұрын
I recently got into baseball for the more aesthetic qualities of the game & enjoying watching the highest level of competition, and I have a team that I root for that I react very, *very* emotionally to when they win or lose, but the common fandom traits of hating rivals & fans of rivals, especially when it results in incoherent logic I don’t understand, I get genuinely confused by. For example, saying “your team sucks!” while simultaneously saying “my team is the best, because we beat your team” - when it should be one or the other - either you beat a good team and you’re special, or you beat a bad team and most teams could. This is more common in baseball with specific players - like they’ll say an opposing star pitcher who gave up a home run to their team sucked all along, and if you say “so does that mean your team wasn’t notably good for getting the home run?” they’ll say no, as if those statements aren’t in contradiction.
@ericacook286210 ай бұрын
Star Trek, hands down. And I'll tell you why. Yes, my mom watched it with me as a kid, yes I grew up watching it and yes TNG came out the year I was diagnosed as dyslexic and it was my safe space while I was being bullied as a child for my learning disability, but there's something more. Star Trek has a place for everyone. Something I like to say is there is plenty of room at the table. If you come in with an open mind and want to understand the universe it is then you have a place there. The only exception I have are those who say it shouldn't be political because that's what Star Trek is. It's a reflection of the issues we face in our world now. It's an avenue to talk about those issues too. But it demands you to believe we can find a way past our pettiness and find a better way. That's the suspension of belief you have to accept to watch it and once you do, the things we need to better our world feel possible.
@Smoses_senpai10 ай бұрын
I do quite regularly ask myself that question of why do i like this. That’s why i clicked on the video
@richardh808210 ай бұрын
I guess I lack the energy to be fanatical about anything
@gringle857810 ай бұрын
Collab we didn't expect, but we needed!
@suicideistheanswer36910 ай бұрын
I am not into sports, but seeing all those excitement and passion in those people makes me want to be a part of them.
@PetulantWolf10 ай бұрын
OMG I was just curious about this yesterday and was thinking I should find some resources on it! And as a nerd that follows both of you'll, this was a great start to my day! Thanks guys ❤ P.S. I wonder how many people think about a topic and a video comes out the next day. Must be a lot!
@collin455510 ай бұрын
Baader-Meinhof phenomenon
@tanishachoudhuri5 ай бұрын
It's interesting that you said that social situations is the thing that pushes us to be a part of a fandom, I heard an artist's music on a yt short and I decided to check the artist out, I eventually became a superfan. To me, it does feel like joining the fandom was a purely personal choice, not many people around me listen to that artist.
@sarangtamirisa509010 ай бұрын
Halfway through the video, I am more intrigued by the football system of US than the original question lmao
@TonyAnnechino10 ай бұрын
I'm a bit of a nerd. I'm also a bit of a Philadelphia-area sports fan (I'm a local boy like that), particularly the Eagles and the Phillies (although right now I'm having trouble focusing on both). I didn't grow up with any strong male role models, and didn't really get into sports until my late teens / early 20s. College sports isn't really a thing around here, and I went to community college. My real love for the Philadelphia Eagles came from my grandmother. She would wear her frilly shirts from Bamberger's or Strawbridge & Clothier, her perfume from Estee Lauder, sit in her spot on the couch with an average portioned tray of food - and scream bloody murder at the TV when the Eagles were doing poorly. With so many strong stereotypes growing up (jocks, nerds, dweebs, preps, etc.), seeing someone who was allowed to be two things was inspirational to me. I developed a sense f local pride, and Philadelphia sports teams where just as good a place to start as any. Now I'm not the guy to know the stats, rules, etc., except what I pick up on. In fact, I'm more the one in our house to know whether a referee call on the field was bogus or not, whereas my wife (a midwestern college sports fan growing up) knows the players and their drama. When my wife first moved here after we got married, she refused to watch the Eagles until the "puppy kicker" Michael Vick as out of the picture. After that, she's been growing more and more attached as a fan. When the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, my boss told us that, if we waned to go to the parade down Broad Street, to just go and he would just enter our time cards like we were there. (It was a big deal, as it had been 28 years since our last World Series win.) That was the year where the last game of the series was cut short because of heavy rain, and the next day the clinched it. My excitement really inspired my wife to become more involved with local sports, too. By the time the Eagles won the Superbowl in 2018, we were solid fans, even though we could never afford to go to games on our own. In the meantime, I've never stopped being a Star Trek or MCU fan, or any good science fiction stories, debating about quantum physics, etc. Sports didn't start off as part of my life and I never thought it would be. But who I am at 50 is not who I thought I would be when I was 15, either.
@dmrmkw10 ай бұрын
Back in the late-70s, 80s, I was a big fan of - but not a "super fan" of - Joe Montana and the 49ers. Enough of a fan to watch the games, feel elated when they won, bummed if they didn't. I eventually grew to almost "hate" the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos after play-off or superbowl rivals. I don't even follow football anymore, I have no declared favorite team at all, and I haven't for a long time. Yet, in the rare occasion that I think about any of the teams, I still have positive feelings for the Niners and negative feelings for Dallas and Denver. It's fascinating how that can linger.