How did I get into the very thing I despised? ft. Anime

Coming from me who was never an anime enthusiast and always tried to avoid that particular topic during conversations with my weeb friends ('weeb' is the term that refers to an anime fan). I will abruptly shut people down when they try to tell me what anime actually means or how it is to watch them. Nothing ever convinced me until that day. Yeah, I was bored to the core and just surfing through an OTT platform searching for some movies. By then a particular cover catches my eye and I just clicked it. And when it took me in, I was like 'No, please don't be an anime' and it read as a shounen anime named "Ao Ashi". I was literally hearing those cricket sound like the one we would hear in funny videos. I don't really know why I didn't skip it. And with a bit of hesitation, I went to read the description of that anime. It was an anime that revolves around football. I was into football at that time so I thought of giving that a teeny tiny chance. I went in and proceeded to watch the very thing which I never in my life thought I would be seeing. I guess it was around 12.30 PM when I actually started to watch it and after some time there was a power shortage in my house so I went downstairs to grab some snacks and some drinks. I just glanced over the clock by chance and I was literally shaken. The clock read 5.00 PM. I was trying to think what I was doing for this long time and that's when it hit me. My inner self was laughing out loud saying "You were watching anime, my dear. The very thing you always ran away from". I was like "Man, seriously ?" I came to know why anime fans are so obsessed with binge-watching because of the crazy plots it holds and the way they take the storyline. They will literally give you those cliffhangers which will kill you if you don't know what happens next. The human brain can't handle suspense when we are really eager to know what is next. I guess this is the huge money maker point in the anime-making world. This is how a girl who never wanted to watch anime turned into a huge anime enthusiast. Now let's see why anime is gaining a lot of attention these days. Anime has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the widespread availability of streaming platforms has made it easier than ever for fans to access a vast library of anime series and movies. This accessibility has allowed anime to reach a wider global audience and attract new viewers who may not have been exposed to it previously. Additionally, social media and online communities have played a significant role in the surge of anime's popularity. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram have become hubs for anime discussions, fan art, and cosplay, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. Moreover, the diverse range of genres and storytelling styles in anime has contributed to its broad appeal. Whether it's the adrenaline-pumping action sequences, the emotionally compelling narratives, or the imaginative worlds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Furthermore, the unique art styles and attention to detail in anime have captivated viewers, setting it apart from traditional Western animation. The expressive characters, stunning visuals, and meticulous animation techniques create a visually captivating experience. Lastly, anime has proven to be a powerful medium for storytelling, tackling complex themes and exploring profound human emotions. Its ability to convey deep messages, challenge societal norms, and portray diverse and relatable characters has resonated with audiences worldwide. Overall, the combination of accessibility, online communities, diverse storytelling, distinct art styles, and emotional depth has propelled anime's popularity to new heights in recent times.