Fans as transcultural gatekeepers: The hierarchy of BTS’ anglophone Reddit fandom and the digital East-West media flow | Culture and communication in digital worlds

Author(s): Kimery S. Lynch

Year of publication: 2022

Keywords: BTS, curation, gatekeeping, Hallyu, K-pop

Methodology/Sample: Case study (interviews)/_

Reference: Lynch, K. S. (2022). Fans as transcultural gatekeepers: The hierarchy of BTS’Anglophone Reddit fandom and the digital East-West media flow. New media & society, 24(1), 105-121. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444820962109

Abstract

This article describes how fandom organization on visibly hierarchical social media platforms differs from rhizomatic social media platforms. It discusses how Reddit’s hierarchical structure controls the flow of information into digital Anglophone K-pop fandoms, shedding light on this aspect of the East-West transcultural flow. Through analysis of comments and interviews with eight moderators of the K-pop group BTS’ subreddit (/r/bangtan), I show that when certain fans are in a position of power over other fans, they become digital gatekeepers. I argue that by becoming gatekeepers, these fans gain unlimited social capital and use it to control the content seen by the rest of the /r/bangtan community, much like a traditional news gatekeeper. Doing so controls what BTS content /r/bangtan users will continue to interact with, perceive, and further spread along this East-West flow. It also demonstrates a user desire for expert curators to filter out “fake news” for them.

> Summary

The paper explores how Reddit’s hierarchical structure influences digital Anglophone K-pop fandoms, particularly through the subreddit /r/bangtan.
It discusses the role of moderators as digital gatekeepers controlling information flow and shaping fan perceptions.
The study highlights the desire for expert curators to filter content and combat misinformation within the fandom.
It emphasizes the transcultural nature of fandom, where linguistic and cultural barriers affect information access.

> Problem statement

The paper discusses how hierarchical social media platforms control information flow in K-pop fandoms, contrasting with rhizomatic platforms.
It highlights the role of moderators as digital gatekeepers, influencing fan interactions and perceptions.
The study addresses the challenges of transcultural fandoms, particularly in navigating linguistic and cultural barriers.
It raises concerns about the potential for racial and cultural conflicts in hierarchical fandom spaces.
The paper suggests a need for expert curators to filter out misinformation in these fandoms.

> Methods used

The paper analyzes comments and interviews with eight moderators of the K-pop group BTS’ subreddit (/r/bangtan).
It discusses how Reddit’s hierarchical structure influences information flow in digital Anglophone K-pop fandoms.
The research employs a qualitative approach to understand the role of moderators as digital gatekeepers.

> Practical implications

The paper highlights the role of moderators as gatekeepers in shaping fans’ perceptions of BTS within the subreddit.
It emphasizes the need for trustworthy sources to filter out misinformation in transcultural fandoms.
The findings suggest that hierarchical structures on platforms like Reddit influence the flow of information in fandoms.
Users prefer curated content, indicating a demand for expert curators in digital fandoms.
The research underscores the importance of understanding fandom dynamics across different social media platforms.