‘Fansens’ Are Waving Through A Window: Exploring the ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Fan Phenomenon

Jarrod Walczer & Derek E. Baird | Journal of Fandom Studies

Dear Evan Hansen is a cultural phenomenon and Tony Award-winning musical that has been widely celebrated by a social media-driven fan community, known as ‘Fansens.’

The growth of this fandom on social media is unique as Fansens have adopted plot points and thematic elements from the musical relating to how social media affects social anxiety, depression, and…