Fears of an Anime Fan (Anime Fan’s Phobias)

June 23, 2023May 11, 2023 by Devvrat Parihar

The fears of an anime fan ranges from spoilers to FOMO. Over the years as anime kept getting popular and spread as a global phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide it has gained immense popularity and hence it has also created some fears and misconceptions among the fans. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common fears of an anime fans.

Fear of Being Judged

This doesn’t just apply only to anime, but all kinds of stuff since we are often self-conscious of our choices. One of the most common fears among anime fans is that others might judge them. To be fair anime is a niche interest, and others may not understand why someone would enjoy watching cartoons/animations from Japan. This fear is particularly prevalent among younger fans or people who have just watched their gateway show.

My fellow growing weebs to overcome this fear you should be proud of your passion for the art, the characters, the unique storylines and the overall plot. You should not let the opinions of others dictate what YOU enjoy. It’s important to remember that everyone has different interests and hobbies, and there is no shame in enjoying something that others may not understand.

Fear of Spoilers

The constant fear of the spoilers is another concern shared among us weebs and it’s a major fear of an anime fan. Over time it’s gotten harder and harder for us to avoid spoilers for major anime shows as social media and internet forums are growing continuously. Fans who haven’t seen the most recent episodes may unintentionally stumble onto spoilers while web surfing, ruining their enjoyment of the show.

“Oh no! my friend has already caught up to the manga”, this thought is a terrifying fear of an anime only fan.

To avoid spoilers, you should be cautious about what you read online. You can also try to watch the latest episodes as soon as they become available to avoid spoilers altogether. Additionally, if you still want to join a community then you can opt to join online threads and forums where spoilers are kept to a minimum.

Fear of the Fandom

Anime fandom has its own pros and cons. Being a member of a group of people who share your interests is wonderful, but some fans could go too far. For some anime fans, the notion of belonging to a toxic fanbase might be a worry. (Yes, I’m talking about you shippers and power scalers of certain anime fanbases)

One should be mindful of their interactions online to avoid the toxicity of certain fandoms. You should just refrain from getting into argumentative or heated discussions on reddit or YouTube comments section and instead be sensitive of the views of other fans. Additionally, we should be aware of the distinction between healthy and toxic fandoms and make an effort to stay away from the second one.

Fear of Cultural Appropriation

Anime is a product of Japanese culture, and some fans may be concerned about cultural appropriation. They may worry that their love of anime is disrespectful or appropriative of Japanese culture.

It’s crucial to respect and honour the cultural background while also appreciating and celebrating the art form. We should educate ourselves about Japanese culture and the origins of anime in order to overcome this anxiety. We should be respectful of the culture and avoid appropriating Japanese traditions or customs.

Fear of Missing Out

Finally, some anime fans may experience the fear of missing out. With so many new anime series coming out every season, it can be overwhelming to keep up with everything. It’s a common fear of an anime fan that they are missing out on the latest and greatest anime series.

To avoid this fear, we should prioritize our viewing schedule and focus on the series that interest us the most. We should also be open to try out new genres and styles of anime to broaden our horizons. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy anime. Moreover, it’s okay to miss out on certain series or trends.

In conclusion, the concerns and fears of an anime fan may range a lot, from being judged to cultural appropriation. However, by being proud of their passion, avoiding spoilers, engaging in healthy fandoms. By respecting Japanese culture, and prioritizing their viewing schedule, fans can overcome these fears. Moreover, fully enjoy the anime experience.