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

Comments

3 responses to “Yakuza Fandom: Marginalisation and Conflicts Leads to Fandom Communities Formation. – Christie Ling”

1. 

   PietroMafrica

   30/04/2026

   Hi Christie, your perspective on a split in the fandom that led to division and the discomfort within one’s own community was very interesting. Connecting this issue to the fact that a community forms around shared interests and viewpoints creates a unique discussion point that you touched on well and connected back to your case study. The way you used your case study to connect back to topics discussed in class was smooth and engaging, using conflict to illustrate how social media enables open discussion within a community. Finally, I loved how you used the uniquely negative press the franchise received to show how even negative discussion helps grow a fandom through exposure, and how social media platforms don’t push content based on what is being discussed as long as there is engagement.
   The style of your presentation slides was also very well done, feeling on topic and fitting.

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2. 

   Myron

   30/04/2026

   Hello Christie. I found that your case study is quite interesting on the backlash of the actor. I find this interesting becasue the fandom acknowledge the actor wrongdoing and express their voice by organizing a movement.

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3. 

   23965632

   01/05/2026

   Hi Christie! Your presentation was very interesting, engaging, and easy to understand. I’ve seen a few Yakuza videos before and found the game very fun. After watching your presentation, I learned even more. Here are three questions I’d like to ask:

   1. In your presentation, you mentioned many social media platforms, such as YouTube and X. Given the different structures and interaction methods of these platforms, do you think there are differences in the nature of the discussions among them?

   2. I’m very interested in your discussion about the marginalization of fans who focus on ethical issues. I’d like to know what factors you think cause the mainstream narrative to drown out these voices? Do you think these ethically conscious fans are actually a minority group?

   3. Your analysis focuses on the Yakuza studio’s use of a “problematic actor,” which sparked the discussion. Do you think the various groups you described, such as the marginalized and imitative public or those involved in the protests, will disappear as the controversy subsides, or will they leave a lasting structure within the fanbase?

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