If you think that you can join Tumblr and look at the occasional fandom post without becoming hopelessly invested, I am here to tell you that you are sorely mistaken. For those of you who are wondering what I'm talking about when I mention “fandoms,” the term is used to describe the community of people who actively engage in a television show, movie or book series. When my friends introduced me to Tumblr, I joined with the sole intention of enjoying Harry Potter posts. Now, three years later, I have come to realize that there is no halfway approach when engaging with the fandom side of Tumblr and that there are five red flags that indicate that you are hooked.
1. You got involved in Superwholock.
If you have managed to avoid or never heard of “Superwholock,” congratulations — you have your priorities straight. “Superwholock” represents the shows that are considered the “founding fathers” of Tumblr’s fandom side. The combination consists of the shows "Supernatural," "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock." People on the fandom side have witnessed the hysteria of fans after episodes or season finales are released and then when the shows go on temporary hiatus. Having an interest in one of these shows can be bad enough, but if you get involved in all three, I can guarantee that most of your blog will become a reflection of every new or recent episode.
2. You actively search for new memes.
Most of us, regardless of whether we have Tumblr, are familiar with the concept of memes. A meme is usually a photo or piece of text that is taken from a show and altered to become funny in an ironic way. The fandom side of Tumblr takes creating memes to a new level and once a meme is created, Tumblr users tend to perseverate on it until no one wants that meme to see the light of day ever again. Although some memes can be quite funny, others will make you wonder why you joined the crazy website in the first place.
3. You begin speaking in incomplete sentences.
“I can’t even,” “Did you just?” and “Can you not?” are common phrases amongst Tumblr fandoms. All of them are reflections of varying levels of shock regarding something that someone posted that — usually — is unnecessary because it makes you sad. Example: "Can you believe that we’ve almost surpassed the year of when the Harry Potter epilogue took place? It’s like the books are ending again!”
4. You become familiar with outdated trends that you were not around for.
“Mishapocalypse,” Dad jokes and Doge were all trends that happened at some point on Tumblr and have possibly slipped into conversation or appeared somewhere in the real world. When you are so familiar with outdated trends solely by word-of-mouth, it is time to face the fact that you have gotten in too deep.
5. And finally ... you learn how to make your own GIFs.
Incessantly reblogging posts on Tumblr is one thing, but when you learn how to make moving photos (GIFs), then you have collected the final red flag. There is no turning around and I am sorry, but you will be a member of the fandom side of Tumblr forever.