"Doctor Who," Slacktivism and Social Media Fandom

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

8-15-2013

Abstract

In lieu of an abstract the first paragraph of this chapter is below:

With the emergence of these opportunities to engage with Doctor Who, has it become too easy to be a fan of the programme? A similar question arises in discussions about online activism. Slacktivism refers to the actions by social media activists whose so-called humanitarian actions ultimately require little effort. Such behaviours include liking a Facebook page sponsored by a non-profit or singing an online petition. this may lead to satisfaction for the individual, but ultimately requires no significant commitment or sacrifice and offers questionable value. The same accusations can be made towards twenty-first-century fandom. If the barriers to becoming a fan have fallen, what is the real difference between a fan and a typical viewer?

Comments

This is a chapter in: Paul Booth (Ed.) Fan Phenomena: Doctor Who pp. (137-160). Bristol: Intellect Books

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