Virtual Idols as "New Totems" — A Study on Adolescents' Faith-Based Identification with Luo Tianyi and Hatsune Miku

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of faith-based identification among adolescents with virtual idols, focusing on Luo Tianyi and Hatsune Miku as case studies. Against the backdrop of digital culture and youth subcultures, virtual idols have evolved beyond entertainment into “new totems,” shaping identity formation, emotional attachment, and community belonging. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating content analysis of fan creations, surveys of adolescent engagement patterns, and theoretical frameworks from media studies and developmental psychology. Findings reveal that virtual idols fulfill three key functions: (1) serving as vessels for idealized self-projection, (2) fostering ritualistic fan communities, and (3) providing psychological comfort in unstable life stages. While this identification enhances creativity, cultural preservation, and social inclusion, it also carries risks of escapism, commercial exploitation, and weakened real-world ties. The study concludes with recommendations for balanced engagement, including value-driven content integration, media literacy education, and ethical industry regulation. These measures aim to transform virtual idols into constructive forces in adolescent development, aligning digital subcultures with broader societal well-being.