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“Examining the Role of Blackpink Fandom in the Construction of Parasocial Relationships and its Impact on the Filipino Youth”
November 24, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The UPLB Department of Humanities is honored to host the UP Korea Research Center Public Lecture of Dr. Bruno Lovric, Associate Professor & Vice Chair, DLSU Department of Communication. His paper is titled, “Examining the Role of Blackpink Fandom in the Construction of Parasocial Relationships and its Impact on the Filipino Youth” (please see abstract below).
Join us at this special lecture on 24 November 2023 FRIDAY at 10am-12pm! This is face-to-face event and open to the public. It will be held at the Makiling Film Lab in the ICOPED Building.
Register here: https://forms.gle/fYre54R2zxBqHXm8A
ABSTRACT: This article investigates the impact of Blackpink fandom on the mental well-being of Filipino youth during the Covid-19 pandemic by exploring the construction of mediated intimacy. Utilizing the Uses and Gratification Theory of Katz and Blumler, as well as the Presumed Intimacy theory by Chris Rojek, this study examines the parasocial relationships between fans and Blackpink. Using focus groups interviews with fans, this research uncovers the material expressions of Blackpink fandom in the Philippines and its implications for fans’ mental health. The research contributes to the literature by revealing how fandom can serve as a coping mechanism for issues such as isolation, mental health, and identity formation. Ultimately, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the ways in which fandom can play a role in mitigating the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health.
Dr. Bruno Lovric is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair at De La Salle University’s Department of Communication. The central questions of his scholarly work are how popular products like films, television, and video games, affect construction of collective and individual identities and what is their relationship to dominant ideologies. Generally, his research engages with creative industries and global screen media, but recurring topics of his work include Mediatisation of Cultural Identity, Film Studies, and Critical Race Theory. He has (co)authored / peer-reviewed articles involving the issues of soft power, transnational pop culture and entertainment.
Source: UPLB Department of Humanities Facebook