Stan Culture and It’s Effect on GenZ Voters

By Hadiza Usman

Photo credit: Meta AI

In the vast space of the internet, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged – stan culture. Born from the ashes of Eminem’s 2000 song “Stan,” this culture has evolved into a force to be reckoned with, shaping the attitude, behaviour, and voting habits of GenZ voters.
Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. Stan culture has become a habit for many GenZ voters, influencing the way they think, feel, and vote.

It has become a way of life and more than a sensation. It is about being part of a community that shares your passion, your values, and your idols. For GenZ voters, stan culture has become an integral part of their online experience, influencing the way they think, feel, and vote.
One of the most striking aspects of stan culture is its unwavering loyalty. Fans will stop at nothing to defend their idols, often going to great lengths to prove their devotion. This loyalty can be both a blessing and a curse because on one hand, it can create a sense of community and belonging among fans and on the other hand, it can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a blind acceptance of information.

As the American author, Ernest Hemingway, once said, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places”. Stan culture can be both a source of strength and a source of weakness for GenZ voters. While it can provide a sense of community and belonging, it can also lead to a gullible acceptance of the information that are ‘fed’ to them.
Another key aspect of stan culture is its emphasis on passionate engagement. Fans are encouraged to participate in online discussions, create and share content, and engage with other fans. This level of engagement can be both exhilarating and exhausting. On one hand, it can create a sense of excitement and energy around a particular issue or cause. On the other hand, it can lead to burnout and a sense of disillusionment. Stan culture may seem like a fleeting phenomenon, but its impact on GenZ voters is undeniable. Stan culture may have its drawbacks, but it also has the power to inspire and mobilize young voters.
By acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of stan culture, we can work towards creating a more nuanced and informed understanding of its impact on politics and civic engagement. By encouraging passionate engagement and community building, stan culture has the power to shape the attitude, behaviour, and voting habits of an entire generation. It also intersects with identity politics in complex and multifaceted ways. Fans often see their favourite celebrities as reflections of themselves, sharing their values, experiences, and identities. This can create a sense of solidarity and connection among fans, but it can also lead to a lack of accurate analysis and critical thinking.
The impact of stan culture on GenZ voters is a debatable topic. Some argue that it has the power to mobilize and engage young voters, encouraging them to participate in the democratic process. Others argue that it perpetuates toxicity, polarization, and the spread of misinformation. As the American author, James Baldwin, once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”. Stan culture may be a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, but it is undeniable that it has a significant impact on GenZ voters. By acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of stan culture, we can work towards creating a more nuanced and informed understanding of its impact on politics and civic engagement.
Moreover, stan culture has also been linked to the rise of “influencer politics.” Social media influencers, often with millions of followers, have become key players in shaping public opinion and influencing voting habits. Stan culture has enabled these influencers to build massive followings and wield significant influence over their fans. As a result, politicians and campaigns are increasingly turning to social media influencers to reach GenZ voters. This trend also raises concerns about the blurring of lines between fandom and politics.

When celebrities and influencers use their platforms to endorse politicians or causes, it can be difficult for fans to distinguish between their personal opinions and their professional obligations. This can lead to a lack of critical thinking and a blind acceptance of information.
Furthermore, stan culture’s emphasis on loyalty and devotion can sometimes lead to a lack of critical evaluation of one’s favourite celebrities or influencers. This can result in fans blindly supporting their idols, even when they are involved in a problematic discourse. For instance, when a celebrity is accused of misconduct, their fans may rally around them, dismissing the allegations and attacking the accusers. This kind of behaviour can be damaging to individuals and communities, and it highlights the need for critical thinking and nuance in stan culture.
In addition, stan culture has also been criticized for its potential to create “echo chambers” where fans only engage with others who share their views. This can lead to a lack of exposure to diverse perspectives and a narrowing of one’s worldview. Stan culture’s emphasis on passionate engagement can sometimes lead to a lack of civility and respect in online discourse. This can create a toxic environment that discourages constructive dialogue and critical thinking.
The impact of stan culture on GenZ voters is a topic of much debate. Some argue that it has the power to mobilize and engage young voters, encouraging them to participate in the democratic process. Others argue that it perpetuates toxicity, polarization, and the spread of misinformation. As the American author, James Baldwin, once said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced”. Stan culture may be a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, but it is undeniable that it has a significant impact on GenZ voters. By acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of stan culture, we can work towards creating a more nuanced and informed understanding of its impact on politics and civic engagement.
Despite these concerns, stan culture remains a powerful force in shaping the outlook  of GenZ towards life generally. As we move forward, it is essential that we acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks of stan culture, and work towards creating a more nuanced and informed understanding of its impact on politics and civic engagement.

In conclusion, stan culture is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the changing nature of politics, technology, and fandom. As the American author, Neil Postman, once said, “Technology is a Faustian bargain: in exchange for the benefits it brings, we must surrender some of our autonomy.” Stan culture may be a double-edged sword, offering both benefits and drawbacks, but it is undeniable that it has a significant impact on GenZ voters. By acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks of stan culture, we can work towards creating a more informed, engaged, and active citizenry. Ultimately, the future of politics will depend on our ability to harness the power of stan culture, while also promoting critical thinking, informed analysis, and social activism.