What do you call a person who loves fantasy?

Fantasy, science fiction, and fandom have been longstanding human fascinations. But with the internet‘s rise, niche communities of super fans have blossomed – including those who take their fictional crushes or roleplay to intimate levels. What lies behind fictosexuality and fictophilia? As both a tech expert and sci-fi lover myself, I‘m delving into the data to satisfy your curiosity!

The Evolution of Fantasy Fandoms

Imagining fictional worlds is an eternally human passion. But modern fan culture has evolved rapidly in recent decades.

The first major comic book convention, ComicCon, attracted about 300 fans in 1964. Now over 130,000 attendees flock yearly to the San Diego event! From humble roots, ComicCon launched an entire pop culture phenomenon.

But it wasn‘t just American comics garnering obsessive fandoms. Japanese anime and manga gained dedicated followings in the 1960s and 70s among Westerners. These niches exploded after the internet provided easy access to content and communities.

Let‘s look at some stats:

• Global anime market estimated at $23.5 billion as of 2017 [1]
• Over 77 million worldwide cosplay participants as of 2020 [2]

Today‘s super fans don‘t just passively consume content – they cosplay, create fan art, attend conventions, and engage in roleplay. The internet enabled once isolated niches to find each other and create thriving communities centered around fantasy, sci-fi, anime, comics, and gaming.

Maladaptive Daydreaming – When Fantasy Becomes Concerning

Immersing in fictional worlds can be fun escapism. But psychologists have identified when it crosses over into unhealthy territory.

Maladaptive daydreaming describes compulsive, in-depth fantasizing that impairs normal functioning and socialization. Though not an official diagnosis, researchers estimate it may affect 1.4% – 4.6% of the general population [3].

Related diagnoses include:

• Fantasy prone personality – difficulty separating fantasy from reality, absorbed in vivid daydreams and fantasies.
• Delusional disorder – holding fixed false beliefs despite evidence against them.
• Schizotypal personality disorder – eccentricities, social anxiety, belief in paranormal.

Sufferers often describe their vivid fantasies and inner worlds as feeling addictive. This makes fantasy a doubles-edged sword – for most it‘s innocent fun, but it can become an unhealthy escape for some.

Spotlight on Fictosexuality – When Fantasy Meets Sexuality

Fictosexuality takes fan passion deeper, applying it to intimacy and sexuality. Fictosexuals feel attraction or arousal towards fictional characters specifically.

Though non-scientific, one survey suggests 15% of 18-30 year olds consider themselves fictosexual [4].

Some well-known fictional characters fictosexuals crush on include:

• Anime/manga – Naruto, Miku Hatsune, any anime catgirls
• Video games – Lara Croft, D.Va, Geralt of Rivia
• TV/movies – Loki, Harley Quinn, Twilight vampires
• Books – Draco Malfoy, Edward Cullen

Going beyond just appreciation of beauty or personality, fictosexuals may have elaborately imagined relationships and fantasies about these characters.

Why Develop Intimacy With Fiction Over Reality?

We love stories that transport us from the mundane to the marvelous. But why do some fans cross the line into intimacy with fictional personas?

Psychology may offer some clues. Those who struggle to form real relationships – due to trauma, disorders like Autism, or chronic loneliness – may find it easier to direct their feelings towards fictional crushes who feel "safe" – especially since romance with a fictional character carries no risk of rejection.

Idealized fictional loves can represent nurturing or support never received in real life. They allow the ultimate fantasy – a partner crafted to your exact desires.

For some, fictional intimacy is simply a harmless private kink. But it can become problematic when used to constantly avoid real relationships and responsibilities. Fantasy should complement reality, not serve as a maladaptive escape from it.

Navigating the Controversy Around Fictosexuality

The phenomenon of fictosexuality is fraught with controversy. Supporters see it as a legitimate orientation unfairly stigmatized. Critics counter that it promotes unhealthy detachment from reality. There are compelling points on both sides.

Some in the psychiatric community view fictosexuality as a type of paraphilia. But without distress or harm, a rare attraction to fictional characters may not warrant pathologizing.

Regardless of one‘s views on fictosexuality itself, there are vital conversations needed around mental health, sexuality, and internet subcultures. With empathy and nuance, we can gain understanding and find wisdom.

The Allure of Fiction – A Universal Human Need

As both a data analyst and lifelong sci-fi lover, I believe humanity‘s allure towards fantasy stems from a universal need for self-expression, imagination, and meaning. We seek patterns; fictional worlds allow our brains to find them unconstrained by reality.

At its best, fantasy provides…

• Escapism into marvelous new realities unlike our own

• Thought experiments examining human nature and progress

• Creative outlets for artistry, community, and self-realization

By responsibly balancing fantasy and reality, we allow our imaginations to soar while keeping our feet on the ground. This equilibrium helps fantasy magic manifest not just on pages and screens, but within our real lives and relationships.

So what do you call someone enchanted by fantasy? In many ways, that describes our shared human condition as dreamers and worldbuilders. Our diversity is a treasure, no matter what wonderful worlds and characters speak to our souls. Reality needs fantasy‘s light to become truly enchanted.