Double identity and double mission of information activities in serious leisure: A case study of idol fans from China

Abstract

Introduction. As an accompanying growth demand, fandom culture has attracted more and more attention in Chinese society. The poster aimed to study the characteristics of idol fans’ information activities in the context of serious leisure. Methods. Based on Hektor’s daily life information behaviour model, questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used to investigate the information activities of core fans of idol Z’s fan club. Analysis. The information activities of core fans as individual fans as well as members of fan club were analysed with contend analysis method. Results. Core fans have information behaviour including seeking, gathering, communicating and giving, as well as information activities including searching & retrieving, browsing, monitoring, unfolding, exchanging, dressing, instructing, and publishing. As members of fan club, fans also have other information activities such as information storage and information evaluation. Conclusions. This work showed that the Hektor’s model had strong applicability in describing the information activities of idol core fans, but it needed to be supplemented with activities such as information storage and information evaluation. Core fans had the double identity as information users and providers. Their serious leisure information activities were not only aimed at pure entertainment, but also exhibited problem-solving goals similar to those in learning and work context.