FanFEELction: Authenticity in Relationships as the Pathway Linking Romantic Fanfiction and Filipino Emerging to Young Adults’ Expectations of Love

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Alexa A. Layno, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Andrea Samantha M. Soriano, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Mia Kirsten D. Vergara, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Liezl R. Astudillo, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Media and Philippine Studies (MPS)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Astudillo, Liezl, R.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall - EKR 407

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study investigates the relationship between immersion in romantic fanfiction and romantic relationship expectations among Filipino young and emerging adults, examining perceived authenticity as a potential mediating variable. A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional design was utilized, involving 116 Filipino respondents, aged 18–24 who have reportedly read fanfiction within the past six months. Standardized instruments were utilized for data collection, measuring fanfiction immersion, perceived authenticity, and relationship expectations. The final mediation analysis with bootstrapping was conducted using jamovi to test direct and indirect effects among the variables. Results show that fanfiction immersion significantly predicts relationship perceptions, signifying that greater emotional and cognitive engagement with these narratives are associated with more idealized or intensified beliefs about romantic relationships. However, perceived authenticity did not play a mediating role in this relationship, as demonstrated by the nonsignificant indirect effect and pathways linking authenticity with immersion and expectations, respectively. These findings suggest that the influence of romantic fanfiction on relationship expectations primarily operates through emotional investment and resonance rather than judgments of narrative authenticity. Overall, the study contributes to media psychology and research on digital culture through emotional immersion as a key instrument in shaping romantic beliefs among Filipino young and emerging adults. It emphasizes how fanfiction functions as a socio-emotional space for individual formation, affective engagement, and relational interpretation. Additionally, the findings challenge notions that perceived realism is necessary for media influence, highlighting the more substantial role of emotional and experiential engagement in shaping romantic expectations within digital environments.

Keywords

Romantic fanfiction; emotional immersion; perceived authenticity; relationship expectations; Filipino emerging adults

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes