With social media platforms such as TikTok, Reddit and YouTube growing increasingly relevant, more individuals are using them as tools to spread fan theories and create communities. Fan theories have become a major part of how fandom communities experience movies, TV shows and books today.
Instead of watching shows and moving on, many fans look closely at theories and share ideas online. Community Health Outreach Worker Jhoanna Arias-Hernandez believes fan theories show creativity and critical thinking.
“A fan theory (is) a fan-created interpretation of a piece of media that offers an alternative and/or expanded understanding of the original piece,” Arias-Hernandez said.
Like Arias-Hernandez, junior Anwitha Aruva feels fans often make theories for stories that leave questions unanswered.
“I think fans create theories to cope with missing information. There’s a natural desire to fill gaps and form a definitive ending, which is why fan theories are so popular among media that end in ambiguity,” Aruva said. “Fans want closure.”
Freshman Krish Patel thinks some fans create theories because they want to understand stories better through analysis and looking for easter eggs that may be left for viewers’ curiosity. For example, a popular fan theory “Conformity Gate” emerged after the finale of the Netflix show “Stranger Things.” Fans believed a secret ninth episode was going to be released soon after the show’s initial conclusion.
“Some fans of the show came up with what’s called the ‘Conformity Gate’ theory after noticing something unusual about the show’s remaining episodes of Season 5. People thought that a hidden episode or secret scene would appear because of clues in the way some moments felt unfinished or suggested there was more to see like possibly another season,” Patel said.
“Stranger Things” is not the only fan theory students and teachers are relating to. Aruva shared an example of another popular fan theory from the show “Friends.”
“I think some theories are just a fun way for fans to keep engaging in the media past its conclusion. For example, some ‘Friends’ fans formed a conjecture that the entire show is simply a hallucination inside Phoebe’s mind while she was homeless,” Aruva said.
Additionally, Arias-Hernandez explained that fans often build theories by collecting evidence from the media itself, specifically through social media platforms.
“I feel fan theories have always been around. That said, I feel they are far more visible now because of social media. It’s easier and faster to reach a wider audience,” Arias-Hernandez said.
Similarly, sophomore Aayush Upalekar believes that a growing audience keeps the shows alive for longer.
“The popularity of fan theories in modern day fandom culture show a lot on how the community is more active than ever on media as they are now the leading force keeping the fandom alive with their own stories and theories,” Upalekar said.
Fans are not only trying to solve mysteries but also staying connected with others who enjoy the same media. Discussions about possible endings and hidden meanings often lead to growing communities. Aruva explained how fan theories have transformed into connections.
“The popularity of fan theories shows how fan culture has evolved from a mere focus on its core media to an opportunity for connection with others that care,” Aruva said.
Upalekar shared that fan theories help build connections and encourage stronger interaction between viewers and creators.
“Fan theories function as a way of social status that is used to strengthen the bond of the community as a whole, and enhance the engagement with the viewers and the creators,” Upalekar said.