In a world where fangirling is often met with raised eyebrows, it turns out that indulging in a bit of “delulu” can actually bring a surge of positivity into your life. And science is fully on board with this notion.
Dr. Nicola Thomas, a psychology lecturer with a unique specialization in pop culture, has delved into the phenomenon of celebrity obsession and its potential benefits on her TikTok account, schooling us on why it’s okay to go a little overboard with your fave stars.
Citing a 2009 paper titled, “Media, Celebrities, and Fans” by authors Chia and Poo, Dr. Thomas shines a light on the fascinating concept of adoring celebrities for entertainment and social purposes.
It turns out that this kind of “delulu” adoration can serve as a delightful escape from the stresses of daily life. Who knew?
She takes this one step further by addressing the stigma that’s often attached to celebrity obsession. Instead of branding it as negative obsession, she argues that there’s substantial evidence to suggest that being a “delulu” fan can actually have a bright side.
Zooming in on the world of K-pop, she emphasizes the numerous perks of being “delulu” for your beloved idols.
“Being delulu for K-pop gives fans a greater sense of meaning in their life and helps improve their life more generally,” she said.
@drnicolathomas Delulu celebrity loving can increase your life satisfaction 👀 Here is how celebrity worship can make you happier ❤️ looking at you #kpop fans. Increased life satisfaction can come from the entertainment-social values element of celebraity loving, as detailed in this paper: Media, celebrities and Fans (Chia & Poo, 2009) #delulu #kpopfyp ♬ august – Taylor Swift
To back up her claims, Dr. Thomas points to a paper titled “Escapism and Motivation: Understanding K-pop Fans’ Well-Being and Identity,” which makes a strong case for the happiness and fulfillment derived from being a passionate K-pop fan.
@drnicolathomas Kpop delulu’s experience a greater sense of self & a greater sense of meaning in their life. Do you agree? Paper: Escapism and motivation: Understanding K-pop fans well-being and identity. #kpop #delulu #wellbeing ♬ Darl+ing – SEVENTEEN
According to this paper, being part of the K-pop community offers fans a sense of commitment and attachment, leading to an increased sense of meaning and self—a win-win for the heart and mind!
And for those worried about going too far down the “delulu” rabbit hole, don’t fret. Dr. Thomas offers a solution—her “optimal delulu zone” chart.
@drnicolathomas Delulu is the solulu but when can it be too much? Introducing the optimal delulu zone graph to help you see when are you too negative? When do you have the right amount of delulu and when is too much? #delulu #deluluisthesolulu #selfdelusion #mentalhealth #depression ♬ original sound – Dr Nicola Thomas
This visual guide serves as a compass to help fans navigate the fine line between safe celebrity adoration and potential obsession.
So, embrace your love for your fave celebrity or K-pop idol, and revel in the joy it brings you. After all, as Dr. Thomas highlights, it’s not just harmless fun, it might just be the well-being boost you badly needed.
