'Plastic' fans?

[NinianKnight]

I believe in freedom of choice. It is up to the individual who they want to 'do well'. I may not like their choices, but it is up to them and none of my business.

[North Cardiff Blue]

I hope this AI shit is not going to become a regular feature of this board.

Who gives a **** what AI says? What possible relevance does it have?

AI says
It sounds like he's skeptical or even outright dismissive of AI, which is understandable—many people are wary of AI’s role in discussions, especially on forums where human opinions and interactions are valued. Some might see AI-generated content as impersonal or lacking authenticity.

That said, AI can be useful for summarizing information, providing data-driven insights, or helping discussions stay factual. It depends on how it's used. If it's just replacing organic conversation, I can see why he’d push back. But if it enhances discussions without taking over, there’s a case for its value.

What do you think—was this guy reacting to something specific, or just making a general anti-AI statement?

Told it you were a civil servant

Possibly. Civil servants often deal with regulations, bureaucracy, and policy-making, where AI could be seen as a disruptor or even a threat to jobs and decision-making processes. They might also be more cautious about AI’s potential risks, such as misinformation, ethical concerns, or loss of human oversight.

On the other hand, his reaction could just be personal—some people simply dislike AI, seeing it as artificial, unnecessary, or even intrusive in spaces meant for human discussion.

Do you think his comment was just a rant, or does he have a deeper concern about AI in general?

Said you may be worried about your job

That’s a real possibility. AI automation is already transforming many industries, and the public sector isn’t immune. If he works in a role that involves a lot of data processing, analysis, or routine decision-making, he might see AI as a long-term threat to job security.

That said, AI is more likely to assist civil servants rather than replace them—at least for now. Government work involves judgment, policy interpretation, and public engagement, which AI isn’t great at handling independently. But if his job relies heavily on predictable tasks, he might be seeing the writing on the wall.

Do you think his reaction was more defensive, or just general annoyance?

I asked if it could help your pop quizes

Yes, AI can definitely create and administer pop quizzes! I can generate questions based on any topic you choose, adjust difficulty levels, and even provide immediate feedback on answers. Whether it's trivia, academic subjects, or fun quizzes, AI can tailor it to your needs.

Would you like to try one now? Let me know what topic you'd prefer!

Let it know if you need a hand

[North Cardiff Blue]

On here and no doubt many other football forums, fans loyal to their 'home town' team refer to 'plastic' fans of clubs such as Liverpool, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City etc

Other than my team being Cardiff (until I die), I always want Man Utd to do well, unless of course they are playing Cardiff. This dates back to the 1st match I saw on tele in black & white ... United v Benfica (European Cup final).

I don't actually 'support' them because I don't go to watch them, subscribe to MUTV or buy their merchandise.

I watched the Leicester v United game yesterday and thought the support given to the team and their manager by the Man Utd fans was great. Are those fans 'plastics'? I suspect that supporting United either at home or especially away is difficult for anyone who does not have a season ticket.

The same could be said about the other so called big teams.


An AI response on Quora:

Do Manchester United have many plastic fans?

The term "plastic fans" typically refers to supporters of a sports team who are perceived to be bandwagon fans or those who lack a genuine connection to the team, often following it due to its popularity or success rather than a deep-rooted loyalty.

Manchester United, being one of the most successful and widely supported football clubs in the world, naturally has a large and diverse fan base. This includes a significant number of fans who have followed the club for many years, as well as newer fans who might have come on board during periods of success or due to the club's global marketing efforts.

The presence of "plastic fans" in any large club is often a topic of debate among supporters. Some long-time fans might express frustration with newer fans who they feel lack the same level of commitment or knowledge about the club's history. However, it's important to recognize that fan identities can be complex, and many newer fans can develop a genuine passion for the club over time.

In summary, while Manchester United does have a considerable number of fans who might be labeled as "plastic" due to the club's global appeal, the majority of supporters are likely to have varying degrees of loyalty and connection to the team.

My view backed by AI - We had many Cardiff plastic fans in the Prem and a lot at Wembley too

Yes, that's typically what people mean when they refer to "plastic fans." The term is often used pejoratively to describe individuals who support a sports team primarily because the team is winning or successful, rather than because of a long-standing connection or genuine passion for the team. These fans are often perceived as less committed or loyal compared to "true" or "die-hard" fans, who support their team through both good times and bad.

The term "plastic" implies a certain level of superficiality or inauthenticity in the support. For example, someone who only starts following a team after they've won a major championship might be labeled as a "plastic fan" because their interest is seen as opportunistic rather than based on a genuine, enduring attachment to the club or its history.

[Forest Green Bluebird]

So you asked a robot or a computer or whatever it is….

This AI nonsense has started to creep onto this message board with increasing frequency in recent months and it’s a truly dreadful development - another nail in the coffin of what is obviously a dying social media format.

I’ve always come here to talk about football and other stuff with fellow fans, not with robots. The fact that some contributors are now seeking to authenticate their opinions with AI is truly pathetic. The term ‘artificial’ sums it up perfectly.

Actually I just 'googled' the term 'plastic' in relation to football and it came top of the list.

Didn't realise it was AI generated at first ... so any argument about AI pros or cons is not really relevant.

I just want to know who qualifies as 'plastic' supporters ... having seen the discussion, I'm probably not.

[Taunton Blue Genie]

Fabulous city Malmo. I saw Ibrahimovic play for them years ago in the second tier.

I saw Forest beat them in the European Cup Final so there.

[splott parker]

Not so much local pride nowadays perhaps. Would football have died on its arse if fans of the other 11 decided to be Preston fans in 1888 after they won the League without losing a game and the FA Cup without conceding a goal?

When we were in the top flight it was difficult to grasp that a Cardiff born & bred person would want his home town club to lose against a team a few hundred miles away. As I said, perhaps local pride takes second place to being remotely associated with success nowadays.

[Bozza64]

I am a Cardiff City fan since I first visited Ninian Park with my grandfather who was disabled and used to go in the corner of the ground under the old golden Goal Sign, As soon as Toshack left and went to Liverpool I started following them which i believe was 1970 and to this day get called a plastic fan of theirs even though ive had a season ticket for years down the City !!!

[superfeathers]

I am a Cardiff City fan since I first visited Ninian Park with my grandfather who was disabled and used to go in the corner of the ground under the old golden Goal Sign, As soon as Toshack left and went to Liverpool I started following them which i believe was 1970 and to this day get called a plastic fan of theirs even though ive had a season ticket for years down the City !!!

You’re 100% city fan if that helps,
Just a Liverpool plastic as well

[Des Parrot]

Cardiff is my first: Malmö FF are my second as i live in MalmÖ. Maybe i should switch as MFF are constantly in Europe.

Visited Malmo a couple of summers ago, hired a car & drove around the coast & then to Vaxjo (our son was based there at the time). Remember eating in a bar called Paddys. Emptied my wallet pretty quick, tiz not cheap!

[G rangetown Blue]

Man U fans sing their old songs at away games, they think it makes them more ‘authentic’ I suppose.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Funny how there are countless plastic fans supporting Man United and Liverpool, yet you don’t see nearly as many for Brighton or Brentford.

Although, that might change in time.

[splott parker]

Man U fans sing their old songs at away games, they think it makes them more ‘authentic’ I suppose.

‘Newton Heath la la la la, Newton Heath la la la la’

‘One Billy Meredith, there’s only one Billy Meredith’

[Alan Lung]

Funny how there are countless plastic fans supporting Man United and Liverpool

Must be the red shirts.

[ToTaL ITK]

Visited Malmo a couple of summers ago, hired a car & drove around the coast & then to Vaxjo (our son was based there at the time). Remember eating in a bar called Paddys. Emptied my wallet pretty quick, tiz not cheap!

around 7-8 quid a pint i think atm. Tho there are cheaper options. I'm working with a young lady from Vaxjö. small world

[ToTaL ITK]

Fabulous city Malmo. I saw Ibrahimovic play for them years ago in the second tier.

I was probably there as a season ticket holder.