One thing that’s been true in the last few years is the amount of anime controversy that’s present on:
- Social media platforms.
- Blogs.
- News websites.
- YouTube Channels.
And things of that nature.
It’s no surprise because since around 2018 the same year Goblin Slayer aired, anime controversy has been ramping up in ways it never did many years before it.
And unsurprisingly – some anime accounts, YouTubers and the like have capitalized on it to an extreme rather than just covering the news in general.
Those in the “extreme” category cover this content exclusively, and are basically being criticized in a new article by J-List, a retailer of Hentai and anime products.
The criticisms
What’s NOT being said in the headline is these “anime blogs” being talked about are really just:
- Anime Senpai.
- Daily Dose of Anime (owned by Anime Senpai).
And of course – YouTubers like Hero Hei as pointed out in the original article.
Before getting into that the writer shares THIS custom image
“How Anime Blogs Manipulate the Emotions of Anime Fans For Facebook Engagement.” – J-List
The author talks about the new “meme” culture that’s been created over the last few years in relation to anime controversy.
Soundbites, square instagram-like images used to share QUICK news in a clickbait fashion.
QUOTE:
“When a TikTok user named antarcticite1 made a short video complaining about “sexualization” in Spy x Family — which is a ridiculous opinion if you’ve watched even one episode of this wholesome show — the Internet Reaction Machine did as you’d expect and made sure this video got tons of attention, so fans could get properly outraged. This included the blog in question, which made one of its square memes proclaiming that “TikTok anime fans criticize Spy x Family.” This post earned the site 16k shares on Facebook and 6.3k comments and was probably seen by millions on that platform alone.”
They continue:
“People can believe whatever they want, and if I don’t agree, I’ll probably ignore them and move on. What I take issue with is the actions of certain anime blogs who “weaponize” random opinions expressed on the Internet in order to create content that will generate outrage, and willfully manipulate fans in order to drive social media engagement.”
The following image is then used as an example to make a point:
The point here is relevant. It’s one of the reasons I personally ignored this story. Mainly because this story in particular was FABRICATED and none of this happened at all.
In fact, the entire thing was made up to push someone’s narrative because they themselves took issue with Demon Slayer.
They say “YouTubers” are part of the problem, too
In their own words after sharing an image from Hero Hei:
“’I’m not just calling out anime blogs that post out-of-context memes so they can whip up fans on subjects that aren’t remotely important to them in the slightest.
There’s a whole genre of YouTube video in which creators post their reactions to individual episodes of anime, in many cases complaining that the themes are “problematic” or sexist or racist, or whatever will set their viewers into “keyboard warrior” mode.
YouTubers have learned how easy it is to manipulate their viewers, making “reaction” videos on any topic… even a random YouTube thread about “canceling” Spy x Family.”
The original article can be read here: When Anime Blogs Bullsh*t! How They Manipulate Fans on Social Media
My take on this topic
Let’s put it this way: it’s a fact that some anime creators focus purely on:
- Clickbait.
- Outrage.
- Misrepresenting facts for views and AD revenue.
- Purposely wording headlines out of context.
And things of that nature…
I spoke about that when YouTubers were chatting shit about AnimeLog being the death of Crunchyroll, which was absolute nonsense.
AnimeLog Is NOT The Death Of Crunchyroll Or Funimation, That’s Nothing But Clickbait
I’ve also talked about how YouTubers and certain sites that cater to anime are known for anything BUT real journalism. And how they push narratives for the sake of clicks.
So Called Anime Journalism, And How Everyone’s In It For Clicks & Views
Anime Clickbait, Outrage Culture, And How Influencers Make It Worse
So nothing in the article on J-List is wrong. Not at all. Publishers like KOTAKU, Screenrant, CBR, and sometimes ANN are also culprits who should be held accountable as well.
I’ve also spoke about how I myself have been caught in the trap of let’s say, covering nonsense on Twitter and giving too much power to people who intentionally create BAIT content for likes and retweets.
It’s never to manipulate on my behalf.
But as far as being genuine, having the right intentions, and promoting anime content, some mentioned in this article are absolutely NOT for the culture.
Some people, even those who seem to be for the culture, are actually anime culture vultures. A term no one but myself can claim to have ever talked about.
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What do you think of this? Share your thoughts!
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