Excessive fanbases for pop culture artists are no strange sight in the modern music world, but at times these groups can become so overbearing in their worship that it leaks into everyday, “normal-people” society. These fans become a burden on those around them, perpetually frustrating everyone they come into contact with, even ruining the reputation of the star they adore.

    What is it that makes these pop fanatics tick? What drives the average Belieber/Swifty/Directioner to go on with their life? The only way to analyze these behaviors is to look directly at what inspires their attachment to the icon, and talk directly with some of the fans that help make up these cult followings.

    Justin Bieber was just a lowly Canadian street performer before becoming one of the biggest pop music artists of the 21st century. What was it that brought this desperate young musician to the top of the charts (and all but the psych ward) from his perch on Sorry Street? The answer is simple: fans.

    Bieber’s music, along with the sob story of his troubled life, brought him mass attention and lifted his career. The basis of this was, for the lack of a better term, an insane fanbase. Girls from around the world practically worship Bieber, so much so that they fight online to defend his honor, even after he spit on fans and drove his Lamborghini under the influence.  

    In a different manner, Taylor Swift attacked the sappy teenage angst market with a focus on drama. She takes some basic writing fused with simple and relatable subject matter in order to hook kids, then she makes them feel woeful about their lives, for better or worse. Junior Steven Collins says “Taylor’s music is real and deals with subjects that are prevalent in every teenager’s life. I relate to Taylor Swift in ways I could never explain.”

    Akin to The Beatles, One Direction is a band that came across the sea from England, and seemingly rose to fame instantly. This five-member band again relies on teenage love stories and other relationship troubles, creating very simple but engaging topics for teens to get into. Directioners (the callsign of the fanbase) are usually young teens who fall in love with the boy band image, and then assimilate themselves into all the problems addressed in the music. Junior Annie Bonner said, “[One Direction’s] fanbase is super annoying and made up of half preteen girls and half ‘too mainstream 4 u’ teens and all they do is tear apart relationships and families.”

    Regarding the unhealthy nature of the fans’ obsessions, Ms. Arena, SHS history teacher said, “Those people need to experience more variety in their music and listen to other singers in general.”

    It’s an age-old problem, kids rally behind a sole celebrity (or group) and eventually it becomes a rabid fanbase. The trend will most likely never end, as long as there is a pop culture icon on the rise, fandoms will remain alive and thrive. Unfortunately, the impeachment of popular celebrities is not yet allowed, so in the meantime, enjoy the sweet sounds of those girls screaming in that car next to you when “that Britney song is on.”