"why people get so caught up in something they literally had nothing to do with other than" Or, they derive entertainment value and therefore add to your list:

"why people get so caught up in something they literally had nothing to do with other than" Or, they derive entertainment value and therefore add to your list: 4) Same reason that people get caught up with supporting sports teams or athletes (that don't do it simply because they bet on sports teams or do fantasy sports).