Mischief Managed:An Analysis of the Online Harry Potter Community

Holly Cavanaugh, Undergraduate Student of Anthropologyhcc19@humboldt.edu

Humboldt State University Arcata, California

The Online Harry Potter Community, or the OHPC, is created by the connection of Harry Potter fans from all around the world by means of social networking. The OHPC is made up of adolescents and young adults, who all share a passion for the Harry Potter Series, written by JK Rowling. The Harry Potter series follows an orphaned wizard, Harry Potter, and his adventures through his seven years at the wizarding school of Hogwarts. Over the course of the seven novels, he battles dark forces in the timeless story of ‘Good vs. Evil.’ Themes include

love, courage, friendship, and coming of age and these all contribute to fans’ passion for

the series.

Acknowledgements

I'd like to thank my professor, Rebecca Robertson, for all her guidance and

support. As well as my sister, Julie, who inspired this research.

A huge ‘Thank You’ to all the Potterheads of the world- Without whom, none of this research would have been possible.

And J.K. Rowling, who reminds us that “happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one remembers to

turn on the light.”

Participant Observation:During my research, I was able to become a member of the OHPC by participating in various activities. Some activities I took part in were: administrating a Facebook page, commenting on posts, spending time on Pottermore, and making confessions. This was a great way to collect data on the OHPC and to understand how members

relate to one another.

Interviews: Over the 16 weeks of my research, I

interviewed 11 individuals in a ‘questionnaire style’ interview. I sent 10 questions to administrators of Harry Potter Facebook pages, and asked for in depth responses. My interviewees were extremely

enthusiastic and excited to answer my questions.

Artifact Analysis: The OHPC has a collection of unique

artifacts called ‘confessions.’ A confession is a picture relating to Harry Potter with text overlaying it. Confessions served as unquestioned answers, in that they anonymously told a story or personal

thought of a OHPC member that may not have been revealed otherwise. Another important set of artifacts were the comments left by other members in reaction to posted confessions. The

comments display community cohesion, as members respond and share their

experiences in accordance to the confession posted.

Through the Harry Potter series, fans are able to relate and connect with many characters. This was observed through confessions, as well as discovered within interviews. With confessions, fans are able to post how a

character affected them, and others are given opportunity through the act of commenting to agree or disagree, allowing relationships to form. Not only were personal identities developed, but collective identities were created through sharing and responding

experiences.

Background Methods Findings

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Many of my interviewees discussed how the OHPC was not necessarily their overall main social setting, but that it was their main setting in which they discussed anything Harry Potter. Also, the OHPC serves as a "safe place" for members to express themselves in ways they felt were not possible with social relations offline.

"[The OHPC] is the place where I can be around

people who understand me best.... They are always there when I need them."

-Interviewee #9

A strong sense of belonging within the OHPC, became extremely apparent while conducting my research. The OHPC has become a place for members to come and reminisce about their childhood, mainly because Harry Potter was such a prominent aspect in their early lives.

Creation of Social and Community Bonds

Identity Formation