If you think the public is done with Taylor Swift now her Australian “Eras Tour” is wrapped up, think again.
After Sunday night’s sold-out performance in Sydney, online conspiracy theories were in full flight.
Fans were soon discussing Taylor’s “missing album”, says UnisSC sociology academic Dr Naomi Smith.
“Swift’s albums are colour coded. And orange is the colour fans have chosen to associate with the missing album,” Dr Smith says.
“At the end of her Era’s tour show, Swift sings Karma. A song from her most recent album ‘Midnights’, and exits through an orange door.
“The clues are all there, the fans say, that Karma is the missing album.
“And maybe, just maybe, Taylor Swift is telling her watchful fans that they were right all along.
“Karma is coming next.”
Not just Taylor Swift in conspiratorial topic
Dr Smith co-wrote on the topic for The Conversation recently. The article is titled: The power and pleasure – and occasional backlash – of celebrity conspiracy theories.
It reads: “In this series, our academics dive into fan cultures. How they developed, how they operate, and how they shape the world today.”
The article also discusses conspiracies involving Elvis Presley and Avril Lavigne.
“In the digital age, conspiracy theorising does not require media or record label boosting,” Dr Smith says.
“Social media acts as a platform and amplifier of fan-led conspiracy theorising.
“When we think of conspiracy theories we tend to think of theories that have resulted in societal harms. Such as QAnon or COVID-related conspiracies.
“However, conspiracy theories increasingly include many of the everyday practices of celebrity and fan culture.”
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