(And yes, I am an introvert).

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1) Does anime function as an escapism mechanism, or is it a means through which reality is uncovered? To clarify, is it a 20-21st century extension of the 19th century Romantic movement, or is it an extension of modern/existential thought? I realize that there may be exceptions, and please if there are could you direct me to them?

2)To elaborate on question one, perfection in anime is achieved through…?

I realize that these are exceptionally vague questions but they have always bothered me. It’s almost as if the anime fans I talk to forget that their favorite characters are representations of emotions rather than embodiments.

Thanks,
Josh the clueless poster

Although I’m still not convinced that people see the “perfect” woman in anime. Arguably there are a lot of women in anime that are less than perfect. And even ones who would be less than desirable if we met in real life.

But I do think that solitude (whether by choice or by force) makes one develop solitary hobbies. And once you develop solitary hobbies, you can’t really back away from them.

I never thought about it that way. Nice point, however.

@NovaJinx

I won’t wage war with the difference in your usage and in mine of the word ’solitude.’ I would, however, agree with your point regarding the difference of introversion and shyness. I, for one, am quite an introvert, and while I am quite willing to have relationships and have a significant partner sooner or later, I am not avoiding social contact out of fear. I have also not dated or been in a relationship even once, but I’m not feeling miserable, lonely, or worthless.

I’m content being single. Although I’d like a taste of partnership sooner or later, yes, I do not feel any need to start a family. I’d much prefer friendship, although I’m afraid what will happen to me in my old age. I also would agree, however, regarding your point about introverts and extroverts. It is quite easy to understand, from our point of view, extroverts; but they have difficulty placing themselves in our shoes.

I say, yes, there are a lot of alternatives. My movies, novels, and anime have kept me in great company for my 20 years in this world.

“Loneliness is not the same as being alone. Everyone has times when he or she is alone through circumstances or choice. Being alone can be experienced as positive, pleasurable, and emotionally refreshing if it is under the individual’s control. Solitude is the state of being alone and secluded from other people, and often implies having made a conscious choice to be alone. Loneliness is therefore unwilling solitude.”

The difference between loneliness and solitude is like the one between introversion and shyness. A shy person avoids social contact out of fear, an introvert out of personal preference. Such is the case with me and I’m certainly not just speaking for myself. I have not dated or been in a relationship even once. It’s been many years since I have even felt attraction towards a person and I’m not feeling miserable, hollow or worthless - quite on the contrary. I’m happy to be single and be able to contribute my money and time just the way I want. I do not feel the need to share moments or start a family. However this is of course hard to understand to people who do not think this way. Again I would like to use introversion as an example. An introvert can easily understand an extrovert, but an extrovert finds it very, very hard to understand an introvert.

Relationships make the life dynamic, that’s true. But nowadays there are a lot of other things that can do the trick. Going for a relationship is now just one of the options.

Whenever one uses 4chan one relieves himself partly of some shame and guilt. It has been discussed and dissected in sociology that anonymity diffuses these feelings because there is little chance of being identified. Not everyone in 4chan, and not all boards of 4chan, however, exhibit such selfish and depraved actions.

As I’ve said, I have lurked and replied as well as asked questions in the Health and Fitness board. While most people have been helpful, there were also trolls present. There are trolls present everywhere. Both of us know at least one. I have lost weight and gained some muscle, although I do still have to fix my metabolism and persist in my exercises.

I’ve no such illusions. It’s not that I’ve been avoiding the Internet (I’d be lying if I was), but I do believe if there was something to be achieved, it has to be in real life. Many people, however, are trapped within the online world of anonymity.

As for causality regarding the interlocking of Internet and social deviance, we can safely say that they are highly interrelated with one another. As sad as it is, some people want to find something that they excel at. I guess this is what a lot of people over at 4chan aspire.

The ontological question is a question that is never easily answered; however, it is a question every human being faces every day of his entire life.

@Ryan

I am often happy alone, and I can exist alone, but relationships also add a lot to the mix. Company makes life a lot more dynamic.

Here’s one thing I’ve learned about being alone: You are strong if you can be happy alone, and those moments of company become much more sincere in the end.

I am very sure that I have been overly critical and stereotypical of the common user of a 4chaner, but it just does not give me the vibes of being any place of a credible person. They often just seems to be trolls that enjoy making fun of others in order to have great delight.

The Internet has often become a strong debating field between who is the cause of which. Is it because people are generally outcasts in real life the reason for using the Internet more frequently? Is it the usage of the Internet that results in social deviance? Research has definitely told us that there is a very significant relationship between the two but I have not known of any established studies that have clearly found the causality of the two.

In my opinion, it is perhaps a defense mechanism and a source of escapism from reality. Humans always try to find a reason to live for, no matter how pathetic it is. As long as it brings them joy, it does not really matter. It might be the same scenario for all these generations of memes and the attempt to alleviate loneliness. It’s their attempt to prove their existence is true and alive.

It is difficult; even I must learn to broaden my horizons with regard to this.

@meganeshounen

Indeed, I am quite lazy when it comes to going out and exploring the world in procuring ‘wimmenz.’ I wouldn’t like to get the ire of these trolls, though.

@Ryan

Personally, I don’t feel being outcast socially. I can properly function and can initiate conversations, even with beautiful women, although I would be a little tense. However, I do exhibit some schizoid traits: I am introverted and do prefer to be alone a lot of the time. I guess it’s a defense mechanism against becoming hurt, but I have faced myself and realized it is my way of life.

Yeah, it seems that you’re introverted.

Thanks.