Ethnographic Research On The Jerma985 Fanbase: A Jermamite Infestation
Abstract:
The internet has given rise to new forms of communication, socialization, and culture. A central hub of this culture is Twitch, a popular streaming platform, where communities can form due to streamer and audience interaction. Jerma985 is a popular Twitch streamer with a large and devoted fanbase referred to as Jermamites. Commonly referred to as Jerma, this streamer has become famous for his eccentric streams and the entertaining exchanges with fans. Due to this, Jerma has developed a legion of fans with a rich culture of inside jokes, memes, lore, and language that has become an integral part of the community. These have become the building blocks of the community and the reason this community has gained notoriety. In this research, I’m studying how these aspects mesh together to create a unique dynamic and lead to the formation of a culture. Specifically to study this process, my research uses participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and artifact collection to study Jerma985’s fan community. This research aims to demonstrate that internet-based cultures can be as vibrant and complex as traditionally studied cultures and can contribute to our understanding of how digital spaces shape social behavior and communication.