3 Psychological Reasons Why You Should Give 'Cosplaying' A Try
Ever had a wish that you could trade places with someone else for a day? 'Cosplaying' might just be the way to do it.
By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | April 01, 2024
If you've ever dressed up for Halloween, you might have gotten a taste of the excitement of portraying a famous character, if only for a single night. However, some people make it a lifestyle. These individuals are part of a vibrant subculture known as cosplay, short for "costume play," where donning elaborate costumes and embodying fictional personas is not just a once-a-year event but a regular passion and art form.
While cosplaying, individuals dress up as characters from various forms of media, including comic books, anime, manga, video games, movies, television shows and more. For many cosplayers, the appeal lies in the opportunity to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite media franchise.
Popular cosplay characters include Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Harley Quinn, Joker, characters from Disney, the Harry Potter world or from Star Wars such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia or Luke Skywalker.
Anime and manga also provide rich source material for cosplayers. Popular choices include Naruto Uzumaki from "Naruto," Goku from "Dragon Ball Z," Sailor Moon from "Sailor Moon" and Luffy from "One Piece."
Cosplayers often meticulously recreate the costumes, hairstyles, makeup and accessories of their chosen characters, striving for accuracy and authenticity. Cosplaying also involves embodying the personality, mannerisms and unique traits of the character being portrayed.
Here are three reasons why people cosplay, according to research.
1. Creative Self-Expression
Research shows that authentic self-expression is associated with greater life satisfaction. Cosplaying is an outlet for creative expression that allows individuals to celebrate their favorite fandoms and express their passion for fictional characters and stories.
Many cosplayers view cosplay as a means of exploring different facets of their identity. Through embodying different characters, individuals can experiment with various personas and aspects of themselves that they may not feel comfortable expressing in their everyday lives.
A 2015 study published in the journal Fashion Theory examined the cosplay subculture in Hong Kong and found that the ability to shift identities plays a key role in pursuing cosplay.
"Cosplay allows enthusiasts to momentarily change their identity in order to create an exciting, extraordinary and contented self rather than attempting a real-life transformation. It is a form of role/identity-transformation from an ordinary person to a superhero, from a game player to a performer and from adulthood to childhood," the researchers write.
In fact, cosplayers may experience nostalgia for their childhoods and wish to "recapture a cute childhood innocence."
"Being a cosplayer, I can transform myself into many different characters—a heroine, a cute little girl or even a beautiful boy. I'm no longer a passive reader or video game player. I'm a producer and performer," says Po Yin, a cosplayer interviewed by the researchers.
Po Yin's experience highlights how cosplaying can be an empowering activity that boosts one's confidence by allowing them to choose their identity and take on new roles.
"I don't mind if people misjudge me as gay or abnormal. I know what I'm doing. I only dress like a girl in cosplay events and my friends understand that I'm cosplaying. By wearing this outfit, I feel like I am the character—sweet and lovely. It gives me a chance to fulfill my dream," says Keung, a male cosplayer from the study.
2. Escaping Reality
In a world often fraught with stress and uncertainty, stepping into the shoes of a beloved character offers a temporary reprieve from reality. Cosplayers transcend the confines of their everyday lives and appreciate the chance to be anyone or anything they desire.
A 2018 study found that one of the strongest motivations to engage in cosplay includes it being an escape from everyday life. By immersing themselves in their favorite fantastical worlds, cosplayers can experience a sense of adventure, excitement, wonder and popularity that may be lacking in otherwise mundane routines.
"Cosplay provides young people with dreams, pleasures, romances and fantasies that cannot be fulfilled in their daily lives. In fact, for a short moment, cosplaying can make the participants feel like a star or celebrity. Many cosplayers admit that cosplaying is not merely a hobby that they love but also an outlet for performance and exhibition. They want to be recognized, photographed and admired," the researchers explain.
3. A Sense Of Community
Researchers of the 2018 study found that apart from the ability to escape reality, "belongingness" was one of the strongest motivations behind cosplaying. Cosplay fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals and fulfills the fundamental human need to belong.
Conventions and gatherings serve as communal spaces where cosplayers can come together to share their passion and forge lasting friendships. The acceptance and camaraderie found within the cosplay community, although sometimes selective, can create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and understood, regardless of their background or differences.
Moreover, social media has amplified the reach and impact of cosplay, transforming it into a global phenomenon that transcends geographical boundaries, helping cosplayers connect with fans and collaborate with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.
This is a significant motivator for many cosplay enthusiasts. Many individuals join these communities to make friends and build social skills.
"I love cosplay because I have met so many cosplayers through various events, activities and websites/blogs. We have exchanged information and ideas, shared experiences and enthusiasms and have supported each other in cosplay performance and costume production. It's absolutely fun to communicate, interact and mingle with other cosplayers," says Po Yin.
Cosplay allows individuals to step outside the boundaries of their everyday lives and become someone else, if only for a fleeting moment. Whether it's the thrill of embodying a beloved hero, the challenge of mastering new skills or the joy of connecting with like-minded individuals, the appeal of cosplay is as diverse and multifaceted as the characters themselves.
Are you a dedicated fan curious about your level of interest or obsession with celebrities or characters they play? Take this test to find out: Celebrity Attitude Scale
A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.