I feel it's a sense of longing to be accepted into a group. I mean, I know in HS I wasn't fat but I was definitely not one of the skinny girls. I felt like a social outcast, constantly ridiculed. I found friends and acceptance in a group of goths that were kids of all shapes and sizes. I personally never was a goth but more of a rocker type chick. We got along fine and when the rude comments or jokes came our way, we had people who understood and knew what it was like to not be one of the "popular" or "hot" girls/guys.

It's also a lifestyle that some people continue and truly enjoy.