Why Dubs Are Becoming the Go-To for Anime Fans (And Why It Might Be a Problem)

by

The debate between subtitles (subs) versus dubbed versions has been ongoing for a while now, with each side having strong opinions about which one is better. Generally speaking, many people believe that watching anime in its original language (subs) provides a truer experience of the show as it was originally intended to be viewed. This is because the original language, spoken by the voice actors, offers a more authentic representation of the anime. On the contrary, dubbed versions do support the Western voice acting industry and allow some viewers to multitask or watch without reading subtitles.

In a recent interview with Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini on C21Media, there’s been buzz about a potential change in the preferences of anime viewers. This trend towards preferring dubbed versions instead of subtitled ones seems to be causing concern as it could have a detrimental impact overall.

Anime Viewers Are Starting To Show a Preference for Dubs

During an interview with Rahul Purini, it was pointed out that UK fans are spearheading a change in preference towards watching anime with dubs rather than subtitles. To be more precise, he mentioned that 48% of UK viewers opt for subtitled versions, while the remaining prefer dubbed. This represents the highest proportion of individuals selecting English-dubbed content, and it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily reflect viewing habits across the globe. Nonetheless, considering similar tendencies worldwide might not be too far-fetched.

I’ve noticed that, despite language or accessibility hurdles, it seems many prefer dubbed content due to convenience. This pattern can extend to other contemporary audience challenges, hinting at a declining interest in content engagement. Moreover, subtitles have been demonstrated to foster skills and improve present-moment media consumption. Regrettably, opting for dubs while watching anime often signals bigger problems for all television viewers.

Choosing Dubs Over Subs Reflects Troubling Changes in How We Consume Media

It’s less common nowadays for people to sit through an entire TV show without distraction. A recent study by YouGov in 2022 revealed that approximately half of Americans use their phones while watching television, which is indicative of a decreasing attention span. In fact, the average person in 2025 can only concentrate on one task for 8.25 seconds compared to the reported 12 seconds in 2000 (according to Recovery Home). This lack of focus affects various aspects of life, including productivity, learning capacity, and social skills. Opting for anime dubs instead of subs is merely a small part of the bigger issues that these trends suggest.

It’s worth mentioning the advantages of reading captions too. On a cultural scale, it offers you the chance to listen to various languages, and there is indeed some validity to the claim of obtaining a genuine experience. Furthermore, research indicates that reading captions as you watch a program can boost your involvement with the content and enhance your reading abilities. Intriguingly, a study revealed that 34% of younger children might become proficient readers through schooling alone; however, exposure to just half an hour of subtitled content weekly increased that figure to 70%, as reported by the World Literacy Foundation.

No matter your preference for watching the finest anime series – whether that’s through dubbed or subtitled versions – the choice is yours. We don’t judge or criticize either option, understanding the dedication and skill that goes into both dubbing and voice acting. If you’re open to trying subtitles now and then, the advantages are substantial. However, it seems we may be witnessing a trend towards shorter attention spans, reduced social interaction, and learning capabilities. Given this trend, it wouldn’t be unexpected if more viewers opted for dubbed versions in the future.

Read More

2025-05-18 03:02