The Dark Sides of Cosplay in the Anime Industry

Cosplay is a fun hobby where people dress up as characters from movies, anime, or video games using creative costumes, makeup, and acting. It has become popular because fans can show their love for their favorite characters, share their creativity, and connect with communities who share the same interest especially at events like conventions.

Social media has also played a big role, as cosplayers share their work online to inspire and encourage others. It became famous due to people’s common interest in cosplaying and that the community has grown stronger than before. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok make it easy for cosplayers to share their costumes and connect with fans. This has helped cosplayers get noticed and brought the community closer together.

In Courtesy of GOERS (Cosplaying anime characters.)

While cosplay can be fun and inspiring, There are stories of how it sometimes can lead people into problems when pressures like trying to be perfect, competing with others, or chasing social media attention take away the joy of the hobby. Trying to make flawless costumes, look a certain way, or get lots of online likes can make people feel left out, not good enough, or completely burned out. Like any big group, the cosplay community can also have issues like bullying, harassment, and unfair judgment, which might make it a negative space for some.

Talking about the darker sides of cosplay is important because it helps everyone understand these challenges and make the community better. By addressing these problems, we can build a safer and more positive space where people can enjoy being creative without feeling stressed or unsafe. Highlighting these issues can also spark good conversations that help both new and experienced cosplayers handle the ups and downs of the hobby with respect and confidence. From sexual harassment to privacy concerns, we can encounter many dark sides of cosplay anywhere and everywhere.

Body Shaming and Sexual Harassment

Cosplay is a fun and creative hobby, but problems like body shaming and sexual harassment can make it uncomfortable and hurtful for some people. Body shaming can hurt people’s feelings which can decrease their own confidence. The decreasing confidence can also warp into depression and fear of going out that can make their life in crisis. A cosplayer from Dublin, Kate McConnel stated in The University Times: “I cannot count the amount of times I have seen posts on cosplay and convention pages regarding sexual harassment, racial harassment, etc.”

This shows how serious the situation is for cosplayers. Sexual harassment is one of the biggest issues, and it makes many cosplayers feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Some people mistakenly think that just because someone is wearing a costume, they are asking for unwanted attention or that it’s okay to act inappropriately toward them. This is completely wrong to assume right away as well. Cosplayers are simply expressing their creativity and love for a character, and they deserve to feel safe and respected while doing so. No one should ever have to deal with harassment, no matter what they are wearing or who they are portraying. These ongoing issues highlight the need for more education, awareness, and respect to make the cosplay community a safer and more welcoming space for everyone.

Mental Health And Pressure To Achieve Popularity

The pressure to gain popularity in the cosplay community can take a toll on mental health, as cosplayers often feel the weight of expectations and judgment from others. This can chip away at their mental health, as they may start to care more about being more popular than others. The pressure to achieve fame can lead some to abandon important parts of their lives, like school, work, and relationships, just to focus on their cosplay image.

Some cosplayers may also feel compared to others, which can turn into an obsession with gaining fame. This constant need for validation can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression, making them feel like cosplay is more about competing than having fun. On top of that, online bullying can make everything worse, as negative comments, rude messages, and harsh criticism online can seriously affect their confidence and self-esteem. The combination of these pressures can make cosplaying feel unhealthy and overwhelming instead of a creative and enjoyable hobby.

Financial Issues

Financial challenges have a big impact on cosplaying in the anime industry because it can be an expensive hobby. Making costumes requires buying special fabrics, wigs, and accessories, which can cost a lot. Many cosplayers also need tools like sewing machines or 3D printers for props, adding to the expenses. If someone can’t afford high-quality materials, their costumes might not look as detailed, which can feel discouraging in a hobby focused on accuracy and creativity. This makes it harder for some fans to fully participate, turning cosplaying into something not everyone can afford.

Moreover, attending conventions and events brings extra expenses like travel, hotel fees, and event tickets. Big conventions, especially international ones, can be very pricey, limiting participation to those with more money. Rising prices for materials and travel due to inflation or other economic issues make it even harder for people to afford cosplaying. These financial barriers can reduce the diversity of people involved and make it less accessible for fans who want to join in.

Privacy and Safety Concerns

While cosplay brings us freedom in dressing whatever we want, we also value privacy and safety in the events that we attend. Some people don’t understand boundaries and might be a crazy fan that is obsessed with her/his ideal character jumping out from fiction cosplaying in reality. This can lead to unwanted attention or even harassment. Cosplayers, especially those portraying popular characters, can face uncomfortable situations, so mutual respect and consent are essential to keep the experience enjoyable and safe for everyone.

In a Nutshell

Overall, cosplay is a fun hobby where people dress up as characters from anime, movies, and video games to show their love for those characters and meet others who like the same things. But there are some problems in the cosplay world, like feeling pressured to be perfect, dealing with body shaming, and facing sexual harassment. Many cosplayers also feel stressed about becoming popular on social media, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Cosplay can also be expensive, making it hard for some people to fully join in. On top of that, some fans don’t respect boundaries, which can make cosplayers feel unsafe. It’s important to address these issues to make the cosplay community a more welcoming and respectful place for everyone.