I’ve gotten so used to the Internet knowing what I mean when I say I’m a “Potterhead” or condemn the “Twihards,” I’ve forgotten that the outside world may not have discovered the amazing joy of fandoms.

A fandom is simply a group of people who enjoy the same TV show, game, book and so on. Often, these groups adopt a name, whether consciously or given by outsiders, that is used to identify fellow members -— think Star Trek’s “Trekkies.”

These groups aren’t exclusive, there is no fee for membership or oath that must be taken to count yourself as a Little Monster (a Lady Gaga fan) — the only requirement is enjoyment.

Fandoms are found anywhere from lurking in web forums to stealing the spotlight on Tumblr and Memebase.

As a social movement, fandoms are fascinating, especially to those living in isolated North Dakota. Grand Forks has awesome people that I’m honored to know, but it’s still far from New York, Los Angeles or Chicago.

The advent of the internet has allowed more opportunities to connect than ever before. Now, Beliebers — Justin Bieber fans who apparently have no taste in music or role models — can unite on the web which would’ve been impossible twenty years ago. Actually, so would Bieber’s rise to fame. Now that I think of it, anyone got a time machine?

All joking aside, the Internet has allowed us nerdy types to discover that we are not alone. We are able to group together and share our obsessions in the open rather than just hide in high school bathrooms while rolling our d20s.

There is even a hierarchal system emerging. I’ve mentioned my distaste for a couple of fandoms already — Twilight and Justin Bieber. This has become fairly common; it’s almost reminiscent of the high school cliques that we are all so familiar with.

But there is still a difference. The fandom can join together and defend itself from others rather than suffer in silence like so many of us did in our younger, pre-Internet years. Often times, the fandoms poke fun at each other. It’s usually done in good fun.

The “Supernatural” fandom is teased for taking over Tumblr. The Bronies are teased for enjoying prancing pastel ponies. It’s usually done out of love, the same way friends tease friends. Being a part of a fandom, comes with a membership to an even bigger group: the fandom of fandoms if you will.

Fandoms have helped us come out of our shells and find that we are far from alone in the world. We can finally belong to a group that we once had no idea existed. Fandoms are a rather new occurrence. It started with the Trekkies and exploded with the success of the Internet.

The best part is anyone can belong to fandoms. All it takes is enjoyment of a common thing. Instant Internet community. So, with all that said, grab a fez and bowtie, a brown coat and really tight pants or proton pack and jumpsuit and join the herd.

Kjerstine Trooien is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].