Defensive Interests

In summary: A defensive interest AKA "Dinterest" is an interest deeply held by someone who may feel threatened and defensive when seeing others interact with said interest. Defensive interests overlap with special interests and hyper fixations, but that's not always the case! A Dinterests are not always media or fandom related, or anything online, they can be something outside too, such as hobbies, objects, etc!

Here I will be talking about what this terms is and everything you need to know about!




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Note.

Hello! I'm Bunny! I'm not the original creator of this term, I am unaware who is but this is the original term. I am recoining this term, as I do not agree with how it was worded the carrd. This is my version of it, feel free to use as i go more in depth about this term.

I personally experience having Dinterests a lot, so this rentry is a better explanation of defensive interest that more align into mine and others experiences.




Who has it & How does it come about?

The people who tend to experience this more, is anyone with:

  • Autism
  • ADHD

They tend to have "Hyper Fixations" and "Special interest" which can lead into Dinterest. As stated before, they are not one in the same, you can have one without the other! Defensive interests are not only exclusive to anyone with ADHD and ASD.

Others can have it too! like:

  • PPD / Psychosis
    • Could have paranoia surrounding their interest(s) which leads into dinterest(s).

Anyone who is neurodivergent can have defensive interests! There is no "Rule" as to which neurodivergent gets to have them. Only neurotypical people cannot use the term. Neurodivergent people have different cognitive wiring, we function in a way that is distinct from the typical "standard." So while someone who is neurodivergent would use these term, neurotypicals are just gatekeeping since they don't have wiring we do.



What they are / Do i have it?

They are uncontrollable. No one chooses a defensive interest, it is an unwanted feeling of being defensive, protective, possessive of your interest(s). You know you have a defensive interest if you feel these things when anyone shares anything related to your interest:

  • Upset
  • Stressed
  • Betrayed
  • Insignificant
  • Nervous
  • Violated
  • Threatened

If you feel anything in bold, Congratulations! It's a defensive interest automatically! It can be anything related too your interest such as references, images, characters, etc. That makes you feel this way. You are not alone in the feeling. Some may feel the need to gatekeep which is not inherently bad; its nature is complex and depends on intent and outcome. With Dinterest, gatekeeping and being secretive is away one can "protect" their interest. Gatekeeping can help them feel safe, Please have patience.

They are possessive and feel the need to "control" who sees their dinterest. The defensive interest can feel like ones own creative work. but they may not want to share it because it can feel as if people are "taking it away" and they don't get to hold it as "their own." Or the defensive interest is part of them rather than then just an interest. They may feel as if it is 100% part of their identity, and seeing someone else mention their interest may feel like their identity is being ripped from them.



What defensive interests aren't.

They are not silly, they are not something to demonize someone with, and they are not childish.

It causes genuine distress and anxiety. Someone who is experiencing this may already feel like they are being difficult or unfair. However i would also like to point out that this is not a term to make yourself feel more valid or like a "bigger fan." Your dinterests are not stronger than the special interests or the hyper fixations of others.



How to interact with someone who has Dinterests.

Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! Ask them about their boundaries and make sure to follow them to the best of your ability. It would be best if you did not send them anything without their permission. Ask if you can get into their interests! Don't take it personally if they say no.

Ask:

  • "Can I get into interest, and if so, would i be able to tell you about it?"
  • "Can I show XYZ about interest?"
  • "Is interest a Dinterest, if so how do I approach it, if at all?"

Some things you shouldn't say:

  • "I got into [interest]! / I know [interest]!"
  • "Oh! i love Xyz from interest!"
  • "I was in the [interest] fandom ages ago!"

Those with defensive interests can feel anxious or pressured so please tread lightly and have understanding!

If they invite you to watch/play/interact with their interest with them, consider that a win! that means we trust you with our dintrest(s)!!

It's different for everyone so some my like sharing more then others, some have a lot more stricter boundaries then others. As long as you show respect and support, you should be okay!!

Edit

Pub: 16 Sep 2025 00:07 UTC

Edit: 03 Oct 2025 16:23 UTC

Views: 75