(Un)Creation: Labor, love, fandom, and generative AI

Authors

  • Irissa Cisternino Stony Brook University
  • Rebecca Radillo Boston College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3983/twc.2025.2663

Keywords:

Capitalism, Fan cultures, Fan studies research

Abstract

We discuss generative AI in relation to core understandings and theoretical frames within academic fan studies, arguing that capitalist systems that seek to automate the creative process are incompatible with current understandings of fan cultures. We consider core questions that the field will need to reevaluate as this technology develops further, ending by describing a framework that we call (un)creation and what we view as the ideal path forward for fan-industry research.

Author Biography

Rebecca Radillo, Boston College

Professor of Writing, Department of English

Boston College

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Published

2025-09-14

Issue

Vol. 46 (2025): General

Section

New currents

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Irissa Cisternino, Rebecca Radillo

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