…Explained for us all by a psychologist, via Aja Romano on Vox.Com. This is the most fascinating read we’ve, erm, read, in a verry long time.
Several years ago, while I was dealing with the death of a close family member, a strange thing happened: I suddenly found myself unable to stop watching Supernatural. I’d never been a huge fan of the show, but I’d recently decided to catch up on its many seasons. So I began marathoning episodes — though it was more like I inhaled them at a level approaching nihilism.
Even though SPN wasn’t “my” fandom, something about the show’s gritty universe and over-the-top levels of angst and machismo balanced against the softer comfort provided by the attached fandom and fanfiction, turned it into a strange respite that matched my mood. I’d watch sad episodes, then turn to the popular fanfic platform Archive of Our Own (AO3) and read fanfiction that “fixed” that episode; a character would die onscreen, and then I’d read fic where they were brought back to life. For a while, it was the only form of grief I allowed myself.
These days, I’ve become increasingly aware that my response to that period in my life wasn’t uncommon. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s become routine for many people to discuss their self-care and wellness practices — and one frequently mentioned source of comfort these days is fanfiction.
The idea of fandom as a form of escapism isn’t new; recall all the times you’ve seen stereotypical geeks characterized in pop culture as using their love of media to avoid real life. But during the pandemic, the stakes are higher. More people have been forcibly separated from their normal routines and coping mechanisms, and more people are experiencing loss and grief. Amid that maudlin atmosphere, a recurring theme I’ve observed is that there’s something uniquely soothing about fanfiction that allows readers to feel a sense of safety and calm….