卒業論文詳細 | 同志社大学社会学研究科

学科	社会学科	ゼミ教員名	MATTIAS VAN OMMEN	年度	2025年度
タイトル	The Reorganization of Johnny’s Culture via SNS: Structural Changes in Idolization , Distance , and Fan Psychology

内容	This thesis analyzes how Johnny’s idols’ establishment of SNS accounts has restructured fan culture , focusing on idolization , perceptions of distance , fan psychology , and the resulting social issues. A mixed-methods approach combining a quantitative survey of 94 participants and a qualitative survey involving interviews with 9 participants was employed. Quantitative analysis revealed that while fans value an idol’s personality and professionalism , they also continue to highly regard traditional Johnny’s culture values such as “distance” , “unattainability” , and “collective identity”. While group’s SNS usage received strong support , opinions were divided regarding personal SNS usage , revealing caution about excessive increases in intimacy and interaction. Qualitative analysis revealed that while SNS deepens fan attachment by visualizing idols’ inner lives and daily routines , the resulting reduction in psychological distance simultaneously generates anxiety , jealousy , and emotional exhaustion among fans. It also exposed a structure that forces idols into excessive self-management and emotional labor. The constantly monitored SNS environment carries the potential to foster defamation and unstable evaluations , thereby promoting exploitative situations. In conclusion , this study demonstrates that the establishment of SNS accounts is not merely a public relations strategy , but rather a social issue deeply intertwined with the labor and power structures of the entertainment industry in the digital age , transforming the idol system itself.

内容

This thesis analyzes how Johnny’s idols’ establishment of SNS accounts has restructured fan culture , focusing on idolization , perceptions of distance , fan psychology , and the resulting social issues. A mixed-methods approach combining a quantitative survey of 94 participants and a qualitative survey involving interviews with 9 participants was employed. Quantitative analysis revealed that while fans value an idol’s personality and professionalism , they also continue to highly regard traditional Johnny’s culture values such as “distance” , “unattainability” , and “collective identity”. While group’s SNS usage received strong support , opinions were divided regarding personal SNS usage , revealing caution about excessive increases in intimacy and interaction. Qualitative analysis revealed that while SNS deepens fan attachment by visualizing idols’ inner lives and daily routines , the resulting reduction in psychological distance simultaneously generates anxiety , jealousy , and emotional exhaustion among fans. It also exposed a structure that forces idols into excessive self-management and emotional labor. The constantly monitored SNS environment carries the potential to foster defamation and unstable evaluations , thereby promoting exploitative situations. In conclusion , this study demonstrates that the establishment of SNS accounts is not merely a public relations strategy , but rather a social issue deeply intertwined with the labor and power structures of the entertainment industry in the digital age , transforming the idol system itself.

講評	This thesis makes a thoughtful contribution to the sociological literature on idols in Japan. While there is certainly not a lack of research in this field , the author’s conceptualization of the project around the changes of SNS accounts’ use (by idols and/or groups) helped to quickly give this thesis its own distinctive character. I also commend the author for their methodological rigor , effectively combining a quantitative survey with in-depth qualitative interview data. The result is something that is interesting to read , for fans and non-fans alike. At times , I wish the author went a little bit further to critique the topic with which they clearly have a personal connection , or to become an “aca-fan” , in the words of Henry Jenkins. That , however , takes nothing away from the fact that this thesis accomplishes quite well what it sets out to do , and overall is a highly readable , convincingly argued , thoughtful piece of scholarship.

講評

This thesis makes a thoughtful contribution to the sociological literature on idols in Japan. While there is certainly not a lack of research in this field , the author’s conceptualization of the project around the changes of SNS accounts’ use (by idols and/or groups) helped to quickly give this thesis its own distinctive character. I also commend the author for their methodological rigor , effectively combining a quantitative survey with in-depth qualitative interview data. The result is something that is interesting to read , for fans and non-fans alike. At times , I wish the author went a little bit further to critique the topic with which they clearly have a personal connection , or to become an “aca-fan” , in the words of Henry Jenkins. That , however , takes nothing away from the fact that this thesis accomplishes quite well what it sets out to do , and overall is a highly readable , convincingly argued , thoughtful piece of scholarship.

キーワード1	Johnny's idols
キーワード2	SNS
キーワード3	fan psychology
キーワード4
キーワード5