managed to extract an abstract

This argument research essay was initiated by the question of how the development of online communities has affected the existing real-life relationships between fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. My own research suggests that because of the strong ties to the community, individuals begin to shape their own online personalities based on both characters from the show and other fans. This builds upon the existing literature on Buffy the Vampire Slayer which revealed that because fans connect to the show on such a personal level, those personal connections cause the fans to develop into a strong community (or fandom). This theory has been developed based on close analysis of discussion boards on Buffy fansites, a music video produced by fans, and the episode “I Robot, You Jane”, all in conjunction with existing literature by Buffy scholars.