The Rise of ‘Delulu’: When Fandoms Blur Reality and Fantasy
The internet has given rise to a new wave of fandom culture, where the line between admiration and obsession grows increasingly thin. Enter ‘delulu’—a playful yet pointed term derived from ‘delusional’ that describes fans so immersed in their favourite media that fantasy starts seeping into reality. Whether it’s Minecraft players swearing they could survive in the wild with nothing but a pickaxe, anime fans crafting elaborate headcanons that contradict the actual story, or gamers refusing to believe that their favourite character isn’t secretly in love with them, the ‘delulu’ mindset is everywhere. But is it all just fun, or does it reveal something deeper about how we interact with fiction?
When Fantasy Feels More Real Than Reality
Fandom culture thrives on deep emotional connections, and for many, fictional worlds provide an escape from daily life. Take The Apothecary Diaries, where the slow-burn romance between Maomao and Jinshi has led fans to develop entire relationship arcs that exist nowhere in the source material. Some fans insist that every glance, every moment of hesitation, is proof of hidden affection, even when the author remains ambiguous. ‘Delulu’ fans live in that ambiguity, filling in gaps with their own desires and interpretations.
Similarly, Ensemble Stars!! has fostered an intense fan culture where players and anime watchers alike develop elaborate backstories and relationships for the idol characters, sometimes treating them as if they have lives beyond the game’s scripted events. Some even go as far as writing extensive fanfiction or treating in-game interactions as evidence of ‘real’ relationships between the characters, despite the creators offering little to no confirmation of these ideas.
Shipping Wars and Headcanon Chaos
Anime and gaming fandoms are notorious for shipping wars, where ‘delulu’ takes on a more competitive form. In Genshin Impact, certain fan-favourite character pairings have sparked heated debates, with fans going so far as to harass others who disagree with their headcanons. Some refuse to accept canon relationships, creating elaborate narratives that reshape character interactions to fit their ideal story. While this level of engagement can be creative and fun, it sometimes turns toxic, leading to online harassment and bullying.
The Parasocial Effect: When Fictional Characters Become Real
The ‘delulu’ mindset isn’t just limited to shipping. The rise of VTubers and AI-generated idols has further blurred the line between real and virtual. Fans form deep parasocial relationships with these digital personas, treating them as if they were real friends or romantic partners. This was evident when a well-known VTuber announced their graduation (retirement), leading to an outpouring of grief that rivalled that of a real-life celebrity passing away!
In games like Stardew Valley and Persona 5, players develop strong emotional bonds with in-game characters, sometimes to the point of believing they ‘owe’ their loyalty to these digital figures. And while having a cardboard cutout and some fan art might be okay some fans take it a step further, sending messages as if the characters were real or refusing to romance any other in-game characters out of ‘faithfulness’ to their virtual partner.
When ‘Delulu’ Goes Too Far
While engaging deeply with fandom is usually harmless, it can sometimes take a darker turn. Fans who refuse to accept reality—whether that be the ending of a show, the actions of a character, or the personal lives of real-world creators—can lash out, sending threats to writers, actors, and fellow fans. The backlash against anime studios for unpopular adaptations (Tokyo Ghoul and The Promised Neverland, for example) shows how quickly ‘delulu’ disappointment can escalate into full-blown outrage.
Embracing the Fantasy, Keeping It Fun
At its core, the ‘delulu’ mindset is a testament to the power of storytelling. Fiction has always been a form of escapism, allowing people to immerse themselves in worlds far beyond their own. The key is to embrace the fantasy while keeping a grip on reality. Love your ships, theorize about plot twists, and dive headfirst into your favorite game—but remember that there’s a difference between loving a world and living in it.