The Unwavering Devotion of Taylor Swift's Fans"Swifties' passion and dedication have turned them into a powerful force in the music world.
By, Madeline Legum
During her sold-out Eras tour at Lumen Field in Seattle on July 22nd and 23rd, Taylor Swift's performances caused seismic activity equivalent to a 2.3 magnitude earthquake. Seismologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a geology professor at Western Washington University, attributed these tremors to either the fans or the sound system. This "Swift Quake" surpassed the infamous "Beast Quake" of 2011, which was triggered by Seattle Seahawks fans celebrating a Marshawn Lynch touchdown. Dr. Auerbach reported to CNN that while the difference in magnitude was only 0.3, the "shaking was twice as strong" at Swift's concert. It seems that Swifties are proving that no force is more potent than fandom, as their screams and cheers quite literally move the earth. This extraordinary display of fan power begs a deeper inquiry: what drives these fans to such extremes?
As early as I remember growing up, Taylor has been all over the headlines, being a role model for many young girls. In the spotlight at an early age, she was open publicly about her challenges regarding heartbreak and personal struggles and often discussed them through her music. I was never a Swifty, though, maybe because I was a tomboy; I played with trains rather than dolls and Hot Wheels rather than playing house. I resonated with sports and other traditionally seen as more masculine areas of interest. Unlike many women my age, I never had a personal relationship growing up and listening to Taylor's music. It was very, well, girly.
I can recognize that Taylor Swift is undoubtedly one of our generation's most influential and successful celebrities. Unsurprisingly, she was the most Google celebrity of 2023, the third most listened-to artist ever on Spotify, and second in the world of monthly listeners. Taylor has built up a legacy that is difficult to match. Although, with such a mass following, it comes with a high level of devotion that sometimes crosses the line from admiration into obsession. As I hear and watch the erratic behaviors of these fans (the "Swift Quake" is not the only example highlighting Swift's fans' extreme behavior.), I developed a mild irritation about her fandom. As I got older, I started to wonder: is it them, or is it me?
Few fandoms are as passionate and diverse as the Swifties. Originating in the mid-2000s with Taylor Swift’s debut, this dedicated group spans all ages, genders, and nationalities. Known for their creativity and camaraderie, Swifties have cultivated unique traditions, such as exchanging friendship bracelets at concerts—a practice inspired by Swift’s lyrics. Beyond concerts, Swifties engage in decoding Easter eggs in Swift’s music and videos, creating fan art, and organizing charitable initiatives. To me, it’s a little corny. But in another light, I can see these as signs that the Swifties make up a united community bound by shared experiences and mutual respect. Or so it seems.
In the whirlwind of Taylor Swift's global tour, where each show rakes in an astonishing 14 million dollars, ticket prices have soared to astronomical heights, and Swifties seem to have no problem paying up. With non-pre-sale tickets starting at $1,000 and climbing to an eye-watering $10,000, one can't help but question the sanity behind such expenditures. Sure, if you have the money, then why not? But there are better things to spend money on, and I'm concerned for those who don't have the money to spend but are doing it anyway. Fans celebrate receiving pre-sale codes as if they've been accepted into their dream university, capturing their reactions on video, opening their laptops, and even having their parents hug them. Some fans at her Eras Tour have even worn adult diapers to avoid missing a single moment of the show. Yes, all celebrities have their fans, but this behavior is a little culty to me. This extreme behavior raises an eye for what this says about our society.
And then, some aren't just spending excessive sums but are also engaging in stalking. On a balmy August evening, what should have been an intimate celebration for newlyweds Jack Antonoff and Margaret Qualley turned into a chaotic scene from a paparazzi playbook. Hundreds of Swift's admirers, driven by an insatiable desire to glimpse their idol, descended upon the New Jersey wedding venue like a swarm of overzealous locusts. The air crackled with excitement as "Taylor!" chants echoed through the streets, camera flashes illuminating the night sky like an impromptu light show. This display of unbridled devotion crossed a line, necessitating police intervention to maintain order.
On social media, you can find Swifties showing off their new tattoos on every album cover and even portraits of Taylor herself, transforming their bodies into walking tributes to their musical idol. What drives someone to make such a lasting commitment? The psychological motivations behind these extreme displays of fandom are complex and fascinating. Is it a desire for a tangible connection to the artist, a way to showcase one's unwavering loyalty, or perhaps a form of self-expression that goes beyond mere admiration? Or do all these fans just relate so much to Swift that they see her as part of them? As these permanent tributes continue to make waves in the Swiftie community, it's clear that for some fans, their love for Taylor is more than skin deep—it's etched into their very being.
Swift's fans range from sweet and harmless to seemingly deranged. What I discovered over time was that my disinterest in her music eventually turned into mild irritation as the obsession surrounding her grew. I catch myself rolling my eyes as the media consistently discusses Taylor and when she posts a new album, and that's the only thing you see on social media for the next few days. It's not that I dislike Taylor herself—her talent is undeniable—but the behavior of her most devoted fans feels overwhelming. And yet, aren't so many fans this way? There are musicians whose fans will travel the world to see them and sports fans who tear apart streets, seeing their teams fail. So, what about Swift's fans bugged me so much? That's what I wanted to figure out.
Music has always uniquely united people, transcending barriers and forging connections that defy explanation. The enthusiasm surrounding Taylor Swift and her devoted Swifties serves as a testament to this phenomenon, showcasing the raw emotional impact that music can have on individuals and communities alike. While some may view the extreme behaviors exhibited by Swift's most ardent fans as bewildering or even concerning, it's crucial to recognize that this level of devotion speaks to a more profound human need for connection and belonging. Humans always tend to find ways to make their need for connection go sideways.
While others clamor for a connection to Swift, I have always valued standing apart from the crowd and appreciating art without losing myself in the mania. Then again, I also realize that this approach has its costs. I don't have any artists I resonate with. This epiphany hit me like a ton of bricks—maybe my disdain was just a knee-jerk reaction, a way to set myself apart from the crowd. And you know what? That realization was humbling. Here's the kicker: I realized my judgment said more about me than it did about them.
Additionally, Swifties frequently engage in charitable activities, such as supporting causes like education, disaster relief, and LGBTQ+ rights. My shift didn’t stop there. I admire Swift’s influence beyond her music—she encouraged voter registration and rallied her fans for social causes— which sparked a different kind of admiration. It wasn’t just about her artistry but the impact she wields responsibly. When used for good, that level of influence is hard to ignore. I began to see her not just as a celebrity but as someone capable of mobilizing positive change.
At the same time, I started to notice something else: there is a significant disproportionate criticism of Swift's fans, especially given that similar behavior from other fanbases, particularly male-dominated ones, rarely endure the same level of criticism. Think about how passionate football fans get—flying across the country, buying expensive tickets, and even engaging in rowdy behavior. This devotion is often seen as "normal" or "exciting." But when it's Taylor Swift's fans, many of whom are young women, the narrative quickly shifts to obsession and excess. Why is it so easy to mock a group of passionate young women while overlooking the same behavior in other fandoms?
After reflecting on my initial viewpoint towards Taylor Swift and her reality, my stance has shifted in ways I could never have predicted. About a month ago, when I was with my friends, I turned on the song Blank Space. It wasn’t a conscious effort to embrace her music—it was more of a spontaneous curiosity. While singing and listening to the lyrics, I realized how the words were once distant but now are surprisingly relatable. The experience wasn’t just about the music; it was about letting go of my thought process, that I always need to stand apart from the crowd and allow myself to enjoy something that millions of others find joy in and accept.