Swarm and The Bling Ring both explore the darker sides of fandom and celebrity culture. How do these stories reflect real-life fan obsessions, and what specific moments in the narrative illustrate the shift from admiration to harmful or illegal behavior?
Using social learning theory, explain how the characters’ actions are modeled and reinforced by their environment, media influences, and peer dynamics. Consider the role of social media and fan culture in shaping these extreme behaviors. In what ways does the digital age amplify parasocial relationships or obsessive tendencies compared to earlier forms of fandom and celebrity admiration?
