This document describes research into the brony fan community for the TV show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. It identifies 4 main types of bronies based on their levels of social engagement and isolation: social bronies who are openly engaged fans, secret bronies who are engaged but private, hidden bronies who are engaged online but not with family/friends, and independent bronies who are less dedicated fans not seeking community. Traits of each type are provided. The document concludes the brony phenomenon is more complex than initial assumptions.

1. By Libium Dash
(aka Quantum Loon)

4. Origin of the phenomenom
First air time : 10th October 2010.
 last show of the franchise.
A r”elentless” tv show.
 helmed by the Emmy Award-nominated animator
Lauren Faust .
 objectives :
- clever show
- without stereotypes
- enjoyable for All.

5. Reception and critiques
positive reviews from critics.
« In its own way, it reminds me of a movie like Singin’ In The Rain, in that both properties
aim to overwhelm any cynicism directed at them via sheer and utter joyfulness. » VA Club
 Internet following

6. Did you say Bronies ?

7. Wait ? You’re actually serious ?

9. Disclaimer
Dr. Edwards. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (UGA)
His research : Health Psychology, Behavioral
Medicine, the structure of Love Languages, Factors
Influencing patient's responses to therapy, and most
recently Factors influencing the development and
expression of the Brony Phenomena.
Marsha H. Redden, Ph.D.
co-worker of Dr Edwards.
Spangler, C.M.
Aerospace Engineering major at Virginia Tech
Corps of Cadets in the Air Force ROTC Det. 875.
this presentation deals with current studies that will lead to publication, so some of these
information are confidential… I’m serious !

10. Who are the bronies ?
Statement : "bronies are gay adult, unemployed with poor level of education"

11. Who are the bronies ?
Statement : "bronies are gay adult, unemployed with poor level of education"
 Statement BUSTED AS FALSE !!!

12. How do Bronies differ in their interest
and approach toward MLP?
 study was based on an online survey with 106 questions.
using factor analysis with 16 dimensions/factors upon wich bronies differ.
- Initial Reaction to MLP
- Show Experience
- Fan Behaviors
- Identity Aspects
- Social Interaction Aspects
- Moral Aspects
- Virtues
 This is going to create profiles of the different TYPES OF BRONIES.

13. Typology of Bronies
Based on two strong factors : Oh ! Hi there !
Social Factor (45.6% of the variance)
Talking
Based on the Fan behavior factors : about ponies ?
- Engagement
- Rerun
- Dedication
- Visibility
 Isolation Factor (10.3% of the variance)
- involvement with families and friends
- Fan who do not display visible signs of their interests.
 4 types of bronies : Social, Secret, Hidden and the independant brony.

14. Typology of Bronies Okie
Dokie
Based on two strong factors : Lokie !
Social Factor (45.6% of the variance)
Based on the Fan behavior factors :
- Engagement
- Rerun
- Dedication
- Visibility
 Isolation Factor (10.3% of the variance)
- involvement with families and friends
- Fan who do not display visible signs of their interests.
 4 types of bronies : Social, Secret, Hidden and the independant brony.

15. Social Brony
High Social
 Low Isolation
 37.5% of all study subjects
 Often described as dedicated and engaged fans
 very open about their « bronyism »
 traits :
- extraverts
- outgoing
- heightened emotional sensitivity
- ability to express emotions
- positive social orientation
- likely to become deeply involved and lost in experiences.

16. Secret Brony
High Social
 High Isolation
 12.6% of all study subjects
 May be described as dedicated and engaged fans but only anonymously.
 very private about their « bronyism »
 traits :
- introverted
- cautious about interacting with strangers
- prefer more solitary experience
- heightened emotional sensitivity
- ability to express emotions
- desire positive social interactions (high agreeableness)

17. Hidden Brony
Low Social
 High Isolation
 39.6% of all study subjects
 May be described as dedicated and engaged fans
 very open about their « bronyism » on the internet.
 Unable or uninterested in sharing their interest with families and friends.
 traits :
- introverted
- cautious about new experiences
- less emotional expressiveness/sensitivity
- cautiousness about interacting with strangers
- lower social orientation

18. Independant Brony
Low Social
 Low Isolation
 10.2% of all study subjects
 Not dedicated and engaged fans.
 Do not seek guidance/moral messages and likely not involved with the brony
community.
 traits :
- do not care if being a brony is a positive or negative thing.
- open-minded
- extraverts
- might like to announce « being proud of being a brony » just to upset people.
- Do not desire positive social interactions (low agreeableness)

19. Conclusion
A fascinating and arguably bizarre occurrence.
 It is truly so much more than that beneath the hood.
 the brony community has developed into something that
supersedes simple explanation.

20. Thanks for your attention !