Creator / Fan Relationships

Introducing our new series

As online platforms grow and change, the potential relationships between creators and fans do as well. This is part of our series on best practices for navigating these relationships.

If you’re online, then you might know someone who is internet famous — well known within an online community, but not necessarily in society at large. These influencers and creators hold power within these communities and have fans who look up to them. This is a unique social dynamic that we, as a society, are still learning to navigate.

What does the relationship between fans and popular creators look like?

The dynamic between fans and creators can be really positive. Fans love seeing what people create, and the support creators receive from fans can help them continue to make the content they love. That’s awesome!

Not all fan/creator relationships are healthy, though. Some creators have taken advantage of their position and been violent towards their fans. Many of these survivors chose not to speak out against the abusive creator because they were afraid of being harassed by other fans. And these fears were justified. Some fans will stay loyal to their favorite creators, even in the face of violence allegations.

Likewise, fans can harm content creators. They can belittle, harass, or bully creators off of their platforms. In real-world spaces, mobs of fans can physically harm creators. Sometimes people dox creators — publishing personal information like an address or phone number and putting the creator in danger.

The relationships between fans and popular creators may also be impacted by the identities of those involved. An openly gay creator, for example, may receive threats and harassment more than a straight one; but, on the flip side, a straight creator can be homophobic and make online spaces less safe for queer fans. Identities matter, and they impact these power dynamics.

So what does a healthy fan/creator dynamic look like?

Ideally, everyone would view each other complexly. Creators and their followers are people who deserve respect and empathy. Fans should be cautious about idolizing creators and creators should acknowledge their power and avoid taking advantage of their fans.

Coming soon in part 2: how creators can navigate these dynamics responsibly.

Uplift is dedicated to combatting sexual violence in online fandom spaces through education and advocacy. Find more at uplifttogether.org