Information Behavior and Digital Immunity of the GOT7 Fandom

Abstract

This academic article aims to analyze the information behavior and digital immunity construction of "Ahgase," the fandom of the boy band GOT7, under the conceptual frameworks of information science and cultural studies. In the contemporary landscape of information storms and redundant information overload, this virtual community has developed active information behaviors through sophisticated knowledge organization mechanisms. Driven by the aesthetic and musical identity of the artists, these mechanisms include the cataloging role of translators, folksonomy indexing via hashtags, and the streaming guide culture reflecting high algorithm literacy. Furthermore, the community has effectively leveraged its communal passion to foster digital immunity and well-being through strategies like "Do Not Engage" and "Silent Reporting" to counteract cyberbullying. However, the fandom space also faces barriers such as fandom burnout and the echo chamber phenomenon. These insights offer new perspectives for libraries and educators to utilize positive motivations in promoting informal learning and fostering sustainable, media-literate digital citizenship.