Exploring fandom as information practices: a phenomenographic pilot study of Chinese K-pop music fans
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47989/ir31ISIC65282Keywords:
information practice, fandom, phenomenography, K-Pop, digital platformsAbstract
Introduction. This paper reports a pilot study exploring how Chinese K-pop music fans experience information practices across multiple digital platforms. The study forms part of a doctoral project that adopts a phenomenographic approach to examine fandom as an information-rich phenomenon situated within constrained socio-technical contexts.
Method. Six participants were investigated through online observation, solicited diaries, and semi-structured interviews.
Results. Analysis revealed four qualitatively different ways in which participants experienced information practices, ranging from non-recognition of informational engagement to purposeful, meaning-laden, cross-platform navigation.
Conclusion. The findings advance the theoretical development of the information practice perspective by extending its application to leisure domains. This study also lays the groundwork for future research to develop a comprehensive outcome space that captures fans’ varied ways of experiencing information practices and to explore how socio-technical and regulatory constraints shape their information practices.
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