When you’re a child at school, it is almost certain that those in your life whether it be your friends, your parents or even your school teachers will ask you “What do you want to do when you’re older?”. Most children reply with standard answers saying they want be a doctor, lawyer, an astronaut etc. However, with the opportunities that are constantly being thrown into the field, what could the children of the future also be aspiring for?
YouTube has been a growing platform since it was introduced in 2005 with over a billion users. With the power of its global connectivity, users can make videos of essentially any type and reach those on the other side of the world. There are some users and groups who also use this medium to post videos based on specific genres on a more regular basis. These can range from lifestyle, music, games, beauty, sport and a whole lot more.Some of these users are also known as YouTubers and have become very popular amongst 11-25 years old, more specifically. British Youtuber Zoella has reached the milestone of 10 million subscribers however the most popular creator is PewDiePie with over 45 million subscribers. Other than purely being popular, YouTubers are believed to be influential figures towards the younger demographic.
However, why are Youtubers so popular? A survey published in 2014 conducted by the University of Southern California provided evidence suggesting that “YouTubers were judged to be more engaging, extraordinary and relatable than mainstream stars…teens enjoy an intimate and authentic experience with YouTube celebrities, who aren’t subject to image strategies carefully orchestrated by PR pros. Teens also say they appreciate YouTube stars’ more candid sense of humour, lack of filter and risk-taking spirit, behaviours often curbed by Hollywood handlers.” This a key factor amongst the admiration that the younger population have towards these individuals.
By forming a foundation of contacts, a support network and a understanding of digital technology, it can be understood that YouTubers gain a lot of transferable skills whilst doing what they do. With the passion, time and commitment that comes with certain aspects of the “job”, for example, daily vlogging and editing it is possible to suggest that YouTubing can be a positive base to start a future career. Admittedly, it does require a lot of skill and knowledge to build such a “fan-base” with solely a camera and a laptop to begin with.
Although aspiring to become a YouTuber as a career might seem a bit “out-of-proportion”, if used for the right reasons, YouTube is a positive and extremely beneficial way to start a career however it is not one to be reliant on because as with any social media platforms, fame through them can be more or less a hit or miss. There are many YouTubers doing other businesses and work on the side of their channel which is important to remember. For example, Jack and Finn Harries have both started making films and documentaries using the power of what they created via YouTube. The growing factors of technology allow your content to be available worldwide. However, one thing I must say is that I think it is important that these individuals or groups of people who are believed to be influential by the younger generation use their fame to raise awareness for important political and social issues and events. It is important that they do their best to try and make changes and make a difference because they have the power to do so. I think it’s a shame when these people with millions of subscribers or followers solely use their channels as a mean of doing challenges and games e.g. “Truth or Dare” on a regular basis. They have the potential to change so many aspects of this world and in light of recent events, I think it’s clear that it’s really needed.
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