Social Media, Communities, & Networks Conference 2026: Semester 1 & SP1

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One response to “Cara Gilligan – Global Fantasy Fandom”

1. 

   Amelia Gellard

   01/05/2026

   Hi Cara, I really enjoyed watching your presentation it was very visually pleasing and you provided great examples to back up your research and evidence which made the presentation really interesting for me as a viewer!! Here are my three questions for you:

   1.
   You argue that TikTok’s affordances, for example its ‘for you page’ and algorithms, have an important role in forming fan communities. In what ways do you think these communities are driven by platform algorithms instead of a fans already existing shared interests? Overall, are communities being formed by the platform TikTok itself or is it just being amplified by it?

   2.
   You reference “imitative publics” and how fans will often recreate and share similar content, like fan binding or fanfiction tropes. How do you think these forms of imitation can shape creativity within fandoms? Do you believe it has the chance to strengthen community by creating shared experiences or could it limit originality and individuality in fan expression?

   3.
   You mention that fan-fiction communities can go beyond platforms, even eventuating to published books. How do you view the relationships between online fan practices and offline outcomes growing/developing? Will these transitions change the fandom community or how authentic it feels?

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