Kolkata AI Users & Experts on Fandom Shift for Telegraph Online

Hey everyone, this is a call for responses for a feature in The Telegraph Online :) Is the culture of reading and writing fanfiction dead? As a Gen Z, I grew up enjoying fanfiction (more than I should have). I used to read fanfics on Wattpad and several other sites - just about any place I could get a slice of my favourite pieces of fiction after I turned the last page or finished the final episode. For many late millennials and older Gen Zs, it was the best way to get closer to our favourite fictional worlds. Today, that experience looks different. Instead of indulging in fanfiction, I see many young fans chatting with AI versions of their favourite anime characters, K-drama leads or K-pop idols through character bots, Instagram's AI chat studio and other similar apps. What I feel is a shift in the narrative around fans and the way some of them interact with fiction nowadays. Some for harmless fun, others to curb loneliness, perhaps? I want to explore this generational shift in fandom and imagination for a feature in The Telegraph Online, exploring how the younger generation is slowly moving away from fanfiction. I'm looking to speak with: 1. Kolkata-based people, young or old, who use character bots/ AI chats to interact with fictional characters or idols 2. A couple of AI researchers/experts based in Kolkata who can weigh in on this phenomenon If you're comfortable sharing your experience or if you know someone who does this, please leave a comment or DM me and we can chat. You can also reach out on my mail id: [email redacted] #journorequest #anime #popculture #gaming #kolkata #voxpop #fanfiction