5. Fandom Frenzies: Who’s afraid of little old us?

In Why Do You Hate Me? USA, BBC disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring is investigating how what’s happening online can shape the 2024 presidential election.

In this episode, Marianna goes deep inside the world of a particular kind of social media tribe: the fandom. These groups revolve around the love for celebrities from pop stars like Taylor Swift to billionaire Elon Musk. And now political activists are operating a bit like fandoms to boost the chances of their favourite candidate. So could the social media tactics used by mega fans change the minds of voters in the upcoming election?

And can the dedication fandoms inspire exist without trolling and hate?

Host: Marianna Spring

Producer: Daniel Wittenberg

Story Editor: Matt Willis

Editor: Sam Bonham

Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Sound Designer: Tony Churnside

Production Co-ordiantor: Katie Morrison