Self-Insert Fanfiction as Digital Technology of the Self

Self-insert fanfiction is a long-established but still controversial mode of writing, even within the already marginalized genre fanfiction. Moreover, many specific terms and practices used to describe this kind writing have not been formally explored or theorized. We maintain that self-insert can be understood as digital technology self, building upon Foucauldian roots extending into platforms their affordances. begin by making connections precedents established “Mary Sue” characters, then continue tracing shifts from those conversations more explicitly subgenres present day. Then, drawing on survey conducted across four (Ao3, FF.net, Tumblr, Wattpad), we explore how such works discovered, read, engaged with, offer observations about subgenres, drawn selection these works. Ultimately, maintain, expands possibilities offered other technologies self (avatars, blogging, etc.) attempting create open any reader who encounters it, although expansion without its own limitations drawbacks. conclude offering potential directions for further work in area fall beyond scope initial exploration.