Portrait of Two-Sided Lives: The Economics behind Underground Idols
Journal: Modern Economics & Management Forum DOI: 10.32629/memf.v6i4.4257
Abstract
In recent years, with the continuous integration of foreign cultural trends, large-scale organized support systems have spread to China and gained recognition among domestic fans. Underground idol culture has become popular among young people, providing Generation Z with an outlet for stress relief and emotional fulfillment. This has spurred a related fan economy, emerging as a significant force in the market economy. This paper examines the dual nature of the underground idol economy by analyzing fans' emotional projections onto idols and the resulting economic behaviors. Through the lenses of behavioral economics and gender economics, it explores the motivations behind fan spending. Based on current trends and impacts, it proposes strategies for sustainable development of the underground idol economy.
Keywords
underground idols; fan economy; emotional projection; value; countermeasures
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[3] Meng X. Virtual Idol Operations Based on Fan Behavior: "Luo Tianyi" Case Study [D]. Shandong University of Finance and Economics, 2023.
[4] Mario. Idol Industry and Fan Creation in the Fan Economy [J]. Creative World, 2020(005):74–79.
[5] Zhang R. Fan Economic Behavior in Idol Shows [J]. New Economy, 2021(10). DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1009-8461.2021.10.007.
[6] Guo Q., Zhang Y. Virtual Idol Evolution and Marketing in the Fan Economy [J]. News Enthusiasts, 2022(3).
[7] Zhang J. "Produce Idols" Fan Economy Chain: "Idol Trainee" Case [J]. Satellite TV & Broadband Multimedia, 2020(2). DOI:CNKI:SUN:WSDS.0.2020-02-077.
[8] Su Y., Zhou Y. Youth Idolatry and "Aesthetic Labor" in Fan Economies [J]. 2021(2015-4):57–61.
[9] Li Z., Liu C. College Students’ Consumption in Fan Economies [J]. Marketing, 2020(17):86–88. DOI:CNKI:SUN:YXJI.0.2020-17-038.
[10] Li K. Fan Economy: Toward Rational Consumption [J]. Qunyan, 2020(8).
[11] Wei M. Female Fans of Female Idols [J]. Journal of Shandong Women’s University, 2020(4).
[12] Xue L. Fan Economy in "Internet + Fandom" [J]. News Research Guide, 2020, 11(009):62–63. DOI:CNKI:SUN:XWDK.0.2020-09-032.
[13] Yang F. Fan Emotional Labor in Online Star-Making [D]. Nanjing University, 2021.
[14] Du J. "Producing" Idols: Fan Practices in Idol Creation [D]. Jinan University, 2020.
[15] Yang Y. Fan Economy and Marketing Innovation [J]. Marketing: Farm Supplies & Markets, 2020(21):28–29.
[16] Cheng W., Yu R. Over-Exploitation and Value Construction in Fan Economies [J]. Decisions & Information, 2024(5).
[17] Xiang Z. Consumer Society Cultivation in Idol Economies [J]. Media, 2020(5). DOI:CNKI:SUN:CMEI.0.2020-05-020.
[18] Zhao Z. Fans and Idol Economies in Consumer Societies [J]. Advertising Panorama, 2022(8):0160–0162.
[19] Wang R., Yin R. Fan Economy Phenomena and Economic Principles [J]. Business 2.0, 2020(10):0249.
[20] Hong Y. Emotional Relationships in Album Design [D]. Zhejiang Normal University, 2023.
[21] Ke H. Fan Economy via Behavioral Economics [J]. Economic Research Guide, 2021(001):5–7.
[22] Yang Q., Liu M., Wu Y. "Fan Economy" Design in Subcultures [J]. Art and Technology, 2020, 33(20).
[23] Shen W., Zheng H. College Students’ Consumption and Identity in Fan Economies [J]. Knowledge Economy, 2022(9):18–20.
[24] Ling X. The Value of Idols: Teen Idol Worship [J]. New Generation, 2022(2).
[25] Anonymous. Fan Economy: Idol Ecology’s Future [J]. Shanghai Radio & TV Research, 2021(3).
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