The fan effect explains how the cognitive load increases when a single topic or concept is linked to too many associations. For online communities, this can lead to fragmented understanding among users. When multiple threads or discussions sprout from the same core topic, users might struggle to remember specifics from any one thread. This effect is amplified in niche forums with a heavy focus on certain topics, where many conversations overlap.
Community managers can mitigate the fan effect by organizing discussions into distinct, well-labeled categories and encouraging users to consolidate related threads. This not only improves memory retention but also fosters a sense of clarity and structure within the community, making it easier for members to engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed.
Imagine a forum about technology where a single discussion on "AI in gaming" spawns multiple threads—some about ethical considerations, others about technical details, and yet more about user experiences. As users interact across these threads, they might recall having read relevant points but forget in which thread the insights were shared. This illustrates the fan effect, where the associations with "AI in gaming" multiply, causing interference and reduced recall.
To combat this, a community manager could merge closely related threads or create a centralized discussion with subtopics clearly delineated. This ensures users can focus their engagement without feeling lost in a sea of loosely connected posts.