From 80s-era sitcom spoofs of Trekkies (Star Trek fans) at conventions to 2010s articles making fun of teenage girls who love the latest boy band, entertainment fandom has long been a source of jokes and jibes. In fact, these communities have very rarely found themselves on the receiving end of respect that other fandoms (sports, for example) receive, though they all serve the same purpose: bringing human beings together to address chronic loneliness.By speaking openly about entertainment fandom – and feeling culturally safe to do so – fans of books, TV shows, movies, music, anime, manga and more can find one another both online and in the real world – to the benefit of all.Amanda Lien (she/her) is a healthcare content marketing specialist, thought leadership ghostwriter, and a lifelong fangirl. Growing up, she found her closest friends through online fan communities, bonding with others who loved the same books, TV shows, and movies as she did. As an adult, she still geeks out over sci-fi and speculative fiction in all forms – and continues to forge her best and brightest friendships through those fandom connections.When she's not crafting content for others or scrolling on Tumblr, she writes science fiction novels and fanfiction drafts, proving that being a fangirl never gets old. To get away from her desk, she takes ballet and modern dance classes and attends as many concerts as possible. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 13:21Ethical AI: Why it Matters and What's at Stake | Dvija Mehta | TEDxYouth@PPSIJCIn this thought-provoking talk, Ms. Dvija Mehta unpacks the urgent need for ethical frameworks in artificial intelligence. Drawing on her experiences as a researcher, entrepreneur, and advisor, she demystifies the concept of AI ethics, bringing it down from abstract ideals to real-world impacts. With compelling stories, surprising insights, and a strong moral compass, Ms. Mehta walks the audience through the hidden biases in algorithms, the risks of unchecked automation, and the promise of designing AI that respects human dignity.This is not just a talk about technology, it’s a call to action for developers, business leaders, and young innovators to become ethical architects of our digital future. Ms. Mehta offers a powerful reminder that in the race for smarter machines, we must not lose sight of what it means to be truly human. Ms. Dvija Mehta is a leading voice in the global conversation on ethical artificial intelligence. As an AI ethicist and Founder & CEO of YOU AI, she is dedicated to building technologies that are not only intelligent but also aligned with human values. A graduate of the University of Cambridge and former fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, she works at the intersection of technology, philosophy, and policy. Ms. Mehta's research and insights have been featured on BBC Future and BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze. As a trusted advisor to startups and multinational organisations, she helps shape frameworks for Responsible AI Governance around the world. Through her writing, consulting, and public speaking, Ms. Mehta offers bold visions for a future where technology advances in harmony with societal good. With intellect, integrity, and imagination, she empowers audiences to think critically about the systems they create - and the futures they want to live in. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 2:27The Interstitium: Your Body’s Hidden Superhighway | Emily Aguesse | TEDxYouth@SantiagoSTEAMWe think we know our bodies—but what if there’s something important we’ve missed? In this eye-opening talk, Emily uncovers a little-known part of the human body that’s changing how scientists think. It’s a reminder that curiosity can lead to discoveries in the most unexpected places. Emily is a sixth grade student at Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary School. As a two-time gold level President's Volunteer Service Award recipient, Emily knows the power of hard work and giving back to her community. She has dedicated countless hours to the building and tending of her school's gardens and she has supported numerous Santiago STEAM Green environmental initiatives. From working before school recycling drives to attending after school guest speaker sessions, Emily's support has been key in her school's success as a Green Ribbon School through both the CA and US Departments of Education. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
