There’s nothing like winding down from a long day by watching a captivating show, reading a great book, or playing an immersive videogame. However, it doesn’t feel quite as fulfilling unless you have other people to geek outabout your favorite fandoms with.
If you’re feeling a little lonelyand want to make some friends, try outthe tips in this article. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting it up with newpals who are into the same things that you are.
- Join Online Forums and Chatrooms
Back in the day, the only way you could really meet fellow fans was mostly by chance. You’d have to go out of your way to attend conventions or join clubs, but it wasn’t that easy to find out about them.
These days, the internet has made it infinitely easier to connect with likeminded individuals, whether locally or across the globe. By signing up fora group communication app, for example, you cancommunicate with other fans on your computer, your phone, or your tablet. That way, you can stay up to date with the latest fandom news and hot conversations no matter where you happen to go.
Just make sure to brush up on the basics of online etiquette so that you don’t end up getting banned or blocked from any communities. For instance, it’s in bad taste to spam people, as it’s seen as a desperate attention-seeking move.
- Share Your Own Fanworks Online
Fandoms can certainly bring out your creative side, regardless of your age. If you love to draw, write, sing, dance, or even cosplay, you’ve got nothing to lose by sharing your fanwork with others online. It’s a great way for others to find you, as most fans will always be on the lookout for more media related to their fandom.
On the other hand, you, too, could meet fellow creative fans and come up with new collaborations to celebrate your love for certain franchises. Who knows? You might be able to master your craft and turn your hobby into a day job later on. There mighteven be a chance for the creators of the show, book, movie, or comic book to notice your work!
- Attend Local Conventions or Meet-Ups
Though talking to people online is incredibly convenient, there’s nothing that can beat the emotional connection you can gain from a face-to-face conversation. Your best bet for meeting other fansin person is to attend conventions or meet-ups in your area.You can easily conduct an online search for upcoming events that are within your budget.
If there don’t seem to be any conventions or meet-ups within your area, you may want to try organizing your own. This could also give you an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a kind of fandom community leader, even in a small way. Take note, though, that preparing for these events could take up a lot of time and energy. If you have to, don’t hesitate to ask other fans for help.
With the tips in this article, you’ll be making new friends in no time. However, don’t forget to keep basic privacy and security tips in mind. As much as possible, you mustn’t provide your personal information to just any random person you meet, no matter how nice others may seem. If you still feel a bit awkward when trying to start a conversation with a fellow fan, don’t feel discouraged for long. The more you get out there, the better you’ll get at talking to others, and the more friends you’ll make down the line.