How to Overcome Addiction to Fanfiction: A Guide for Modern Fiction Enthusiasts

Watch the movie Galaxy Quest (1999) and listen to the alien’s lament about fiction. Don’t be a self-righteous dolt like the actors and mock the aliens—after all, they are clearly far more technologically advanced. Consider that maybe this belief has some merit to it. Then consider reframing fiction and myth as our alien friends did.

How significantly does this change history? The romantic pairing of characters in fanfiction revolves around the concept of shipping. These stories create a new world where readers can escape to. Did you know that the human race needs fiction to survive? Religion, nation, and money are all constructs that exist solely because people collectively imagine them—forming beliefs that seem almost real. Fan fiction follows in this tradition. Many people start reading fan fiction when they are fans of someone. Imagine if you were a fan of X and started reading fan fiction about X. Although you already have an idea of how they are, it is often entirely different from how the actual person is portrayed.

These stories can open up an entire new, alternate world where you can escape to. However, fan fiction is not comparable to real books. Many fan fiction pieces can be good, but they cannot replace the timeless quality of published literature, as they are based on a person you are a fan of. This can lead to such intense temptation and addiction that it can interfere with your future plans. Here are three steps you can take to quit fanfiction and take control of your life.

Steps to Quitting Fanfiction

Step 1: Block Out the Connection

Start by blocking out all aspects of the fan culture that relate to X. If you are a fan of X, stop being a blind worshiper. Remember, celebrities are humans. Begin by ceasing your obsessive behavior over whoever X is. Maybe X didn't want fan fiction written about them, or do you even think X cares about these fan works? They have a real life, don't they? Don't waste yours on this.

Step 2: Call Out the Urge

The moment you feel the urge to read fan fiction, challenge it. Call it out. This simple act disrupts the cycle and reminds you of your goals.

Step 3: Attach Unpleasant Sensations

Humans always seek pleasant sensations; whatever we do, whether it's eating, laying down, or even scratching an itch, we do it for this reason. Next time you feel the urge to read fan fiction, don't sit on your bed or sleep on your couch. Don't eat anything while reading it. Instead, sit on the floor cross-legged with your back straight, and start reading. After a while, your back will start to hurt, which is an unpleasant feeling. Focus on this pain rather than the happiness you get from reading.

Our minds can't stand unpleasant feelings, so you will likely stop reading after a few minutes. If you do this every time, your subconscious mind will start to make the connection between reading fan fiction and these unpleasant sensations. Over time, you will find yourself automatically losing interest in reading fan works.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Fiction Addiction

Don't let fanfiction addiction ruin your future. You have a short but full life ahead of you—make the most of it. Addiction to fanfiction is no better than addiction to video games or other forms of escapism. These activities can take up a lot of time, and the more you stop, the less likely you are to start again.

Remember, the real world is full of opportunities and challenges that can make your life exciting and meaningful. Time flies, and the time you spend on fiction can be better spent on accomplishing your goals and making a difference in the world. So, take control of your life, and make choices that align with your aspirations and future.