Nerdy Fandom Gateway Theory

One of the key advantages the internet has given nerds (read: the socially disadvantaged/ostracized) is the ability to connect with other nerds without having to leave one's home or engage in any real form of social interaction of any kind. These organizations nerds form over specific nerd interests are better known as fandoms. While fandoms may appear to be innocent collectives of likeminded dorks, we at Encyclopedia Dramatica have identified many more psychologically sinister aspects of "fandom culture" as a whole. The Nerdy Fandom Gateway Theory, proposed by ED's resident deep thinker Meepsheep, suggests that the formation of online "fandoms" is often the result of developing mental heath issues, which may later become latent disorders as a result of influence from the fandom.

Breaking it down

As we have seen time and time again, those heavily involved with online fandoms also tend to be those who are the most distant from society (read: losers). Seeing as acceptance and interpersonal interaction are existential needs for humans, the internet, as mentioned in the intro, has provided a means of (poorly) attaining these needs in such a way that does not trigger the various autism spectrum disorders that have prevented these individuals from connecting with other members of their species irl. Unsurprisingly, the interests that the socially inept connect over online tend to be very trivial things such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Homestuck, thus the development of "fandoms".

At this point, the nerds have found themselves in an online community of similar people with which they feel comfortable. That's fine and all, but it's also where matters tend to get a bit more complicated and ultimately self-destructive. It is another well-known need of all human beings to express themselves and their innermost thoughts and feelings. Since we tend to express the most of our selves around those we are closest and most comfortable with, it is understandable how nerds may develop mental illnesses when their social life is also exclusive to online Harry Potter forums. For instance, nerds who connect through something like Sonic the Hedgehog will eventually be comfortable enough with each other to discuss topics such as sexuality which, because of their preexisting misconceptions of society and reality in combination with the nature of the fandoms they are engaging through, can eventually lead to the development of mental illnesses such as furryism.