LONELINESS, HAPPINESS, AND FANATICISM LEVEL OF K-POP TEEN FANS ON TWITTER

Abstract

Background: K-pop fans are usually considered highly fanatic, indicates by how they tend to acts exaggerated, irrational, intolerant, non-nationalist, and ridiculous. From the preliminary study, some of them idolising K-pop idols because it could make them happier and less lonely.

Research purpose:

This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between loneliness and happiness level with the fanaticism level of teen K-pop fans on Twitter.

Methodology:

This study uses a quantitative research design with correlational methods.

Instrument: Research data were collected using adapted scales of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and UCLA loneliness scale Version 3. To measure Fanatism, researchers modified Jennie’s Fanatism Scale   

Population and sample: The samples obtained in this study were 4516 subjects.

Analysis: The data were analyzed using Spearman Correlations technique

Results: These study results indicate a positive relationship between the Happiness with fanaticism level of K-pop fans. Contrary to the assumptions, this study suggests that the fanatism from fans to idol is closely related with their happiness, and not with their loneliness. The happier they feel, they tend to be more fanatics  

Implication or advantage of research: In the future, it is recommended to conduct research that looks at differences in fanaticism based on gender, because it is suspected that different levels of fanaticism will produce different models of relationships between variables.

Keywords: Keyword: Loneliness, Happiness, Fanaticism, K-pop Teen Fans, Twitter.