Shonen Jump publisher Shueisha is introducing an innovative manga recommendation service called DEAIBOOKS, powered by artificial intelligence. The concept aims to simplify the process of discovering new manga titles for readers.
Upon downloading the app, users will interact with a virtual librarian named Aihara Pitari, who will assist them in exploring a vast selection of over 5,000 popular manga series.
While the idea behind DEAIBOOKS appears promising, some manga and anime enthusiasts express skepticism about its implementation. Concerns range from potential programmed biases favoring certain titles to the possibility of unsolicited recommendations appearing in user feeds without user input.
These discussions underscore the cautious optimism surrounding the new service and highlight the importance of ensuring fairness and user control in AI-powered recommendation systems.
The Debate Surrounding A.I. Integration in the Anime Community
The integration of artificial intelligence (A.I.) into the anime community sparks considerable debate, largely due to concerns about its reliability.
Shueisha is launching 'DEAIBOOKS', an 'AI manga recommendation service'.
The librarian Aihara Pitari (designed by Yokoyari Mengo and voiced by Miku Ito) helps you find new manga to read from over 5000 works.
The service launches on April 25th, 2024.https://t.co/3rhIa9reo5 pic.twitter.com/qZqukwskem
— Shonen Jump News (@WSJ_manga) March 28, 2024
Many express apprehension about A.I. potentially generating unexpected or unwanted recommendations. For instance, there are worries about the A.I. suggesting inappropriate content, such as switching from a slice-of-life manga to a mature-themed one unexpectedly.
This skepticism reflects a broader lack of trust in A.I. technology, even when utilized by prominent entities like Shueisha.
Additionally, there are concerns about potential biases within the A.I. recommendation system. Some fear that certain genres, such as boys’ love or girls’ love, may be overlooked in favor of more mainstream or popular ones.
This leads to worries that the A.I. may exhibit programmed preferences towards specific titles, potentially limiting the diversity of recommendations.
Such concerns highlight the importance of ensuring fairness and inclusivity in AI-powered recommendation systems to address the diverse interests of anime enthusiasts.
