Emotional Resonance and Collective Identity of On-Screen Couples from the Perspective of Interaction Ritual Chains: A Case Study of the 'Yuzhou Zhongxin' CP

This study employs Randall Collins’ Interaction Ritual Chains theory as its analytical framework, with the popular on-screen couple "Yuzhou Zhongxin" CP as a case study, to explore how virtual pairings evoke emotional resonance and collective identity among fans through interactive rituals. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach combining case analysis and qualitative data, the research examines the CP’s variety show appearances, social media interactions, and fan-generated content. The findings reveal that the formation of emotional resonance follows the interaction ritual chain pathway—"Situation construction → focus aggregation → emotional connection → symbolic generation"—achieved through multidimensional ritualized interactions, including the character settings in the play, off-screen engagements, and participatory fan interpretations. Meanwhile, collective identity emerges via the mechanism of "shared attention → accumulated emotional energy → internalization of group symbols → establishment of moral restraint", manifesting in the fan community’s distinct linguistic codes, behavioral norms, and value systems. By extending the application of interaction ritual chains to virtual communities, this study not only enriches theoretical discourse but also offers practical insights for media marketing, proposing "ritualized interaction design" as a strategic tool for CP branding.