i think it's a pretty standard reaction towards seeing media that you've loved since its conception being thrown into the eyes of pop culture and be consumed in varying degrees of depth. it's such a familiar feeling that we've given it so much terms: fake fans, posers, performative folks, larpers, etc. we've all been there, either as the newcomer or the wise and all-knowing.
internet culture is becoming pop culture if it hasn't already, the gap is closing for better or worse as modern work culture, private equities, and mega-corporations are desperately forcing unethical consumption and digital tech on us! ...sorry, but just as more niches are becoming not-niches, more niches are forming! you just have to look for it.
last thing, and i'm just speaking for myself here, but there *is* a real sense of novelty and charm in being in-the-know about certain things that are hidden from everyone you know (...it's some form of escapism, i guess).