There are very few forms of media people enjoy without a stereotype. Many fandoms have an outside perception from those who aren’t involved, creating an idea of individuals they do not know. One can argue that every fandom is bad. Every group, reaching far in the hundreds, has to have a negative outlier–someone who takes their interest too far. It can be a creepy obsession with odd claims, behaviors, and creations revolving around your beloved content.

Fandoms are large groups of people who connect with something (TV shows, YouTubers, video games, music, sports, etc.) and take it outside of casual viewing by joining groups that also like that source material, creating their versions through art pieces, or talking about it with others. There is no line for when you are in a fandom, but everyone has to have a similar interest they engage in. The fandoms listed will be not by stereotypes, individuals, or past events because they do not represent the group. Looking through the most recent posts on Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, and Twitter for a good assessment of how the fandom behaves (with fandoms I’m in and not in,) what content they make, and trends. This list is not a direct label because people are people and will always have different manners. One toxic fan does not represent everyone.

To describe the Minecraft fandom, you’d need to label it as a tier list alone. The top videos on Tiktok include tips, tutorials, and recent updates within the game. Minecraft is a massively popular game that has changed many people’s lives through enjoyment and content creation. On Youtube, the variety is mostly the same, with an outlier dramatic video or two aimed at little kids with bright colors and clickbait. Youtube offers more tricks but mainly focuses on YouTubers and their gameplays. Instagram has tutorials, and more building hacks, while Twitter concentrates on people in the community.

Twitter has always been the place for drama, so there is always some controversy, but the Minecraft community is holding each other up and appreciating the game. People are documenting their experience while playing, others showing tips to figure out mechanics, and people creating fun content for all through roleplays. The Minecraft community has some of the most dedicated people and has no overwhelming harmful community.

Enstars is a Japanese singing video game with cute anime characters and a simple rhythm game. With a dedicated and loud fanbase, there is a good chance you’ve seen some of the characters on social media. Enstars is one of the fandoms with an unflattering outlook with the outliers being loud. Many people in the community have shamed each other, leading to a hurtful environment. But is it all that bad?

No fandom is without its quirks, and the Enstar video game is no different. On TikTok, the top videos include a variety of memes, edits, and fan accounts for the unique characters. When looking in the comments, there is a theme with people talking about the gacha system, how they love the characters and a rare less-than-positive review on the edit or fan account. The Enstars fandom on Instagram has a variety of fun fanart for the characters. You can see a lot of love and dedication in each piece. Similar to the Minecraft community, the top comments and posts don’t have negativity attached to them. Though, if in a rating, Enstars would be lower. Enstars does have a higher chance of seeing a negative comment than many other fandoms, but it doesn’t mean it is an overall toxic community to be avoided.

Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared is a series aired on Channel 4 and streamed on Youtube. DHMIS is described as a Comedy Horror, with bright colors but an underlined horror aspect, with the group learning life lessons through each episode. With such a dark concept, the fandom consists of many theorists. Youtube has many channels reviewing the show, recording their reactions to scenes, and trying to break down different plot points.

The DHMIS fandom has a relatively kind and supporting outlook, with people enjoying the series with compilations, theories, and reactions. TikTok has the same attitude. Compilations, edits, and animations of their favorite characters, some people completely reanimate scenes with their spins. Though it has a darker stance, with many creators focusing on the disturbing side of DHMIS, it’s all comforting within the comment section. It’s clear DHMIS has creatively inspired many, and it’s prevalent with the overwhelming amount of art.

Collectively, every fandom is different! There are bound to be bad people in every massive group, no matter what you celebrate, so it doesn’t make stereotyping for what they enjoy okay. Engaging in a TV series, video game, or sport doesn’t make you toxic or an unpleasant person to be around, so enjoy what you want to enjoy! And don’t let an outside perception deter you. Though, if you are more likely to be exposed to negativity, there is a good chance the bad is just the loudest. Don’t let individuals or ideas stop you from liking something and talking about it in your selected group.