In Defense of YouTubers.

If you went back in time 15 years, and told someone you wanted to be a 'YouTuber', you would probably be met with a look of absolute bewilderment. After all, YouTube didn't even exist back then, let alone the opportunity to make a living off of it.

Yet, here we are, in a world where people are doing just that. People are able to make money from uploading videos of varying content - from 'Vlogs' of their daily life and beauty tips, to DIY tutorials and 'playthroughs' of videogames. The people who create this content and able to make a living off of it are often dubbed 'YouTubers'.


This career can come with a lot of benefits - one can earn in the millions from the advertisements and sponsored content, as well as often being sent large amounts of merchandise from companies in the hope that the YouTuber will give their brand a fleeting mention. The YouTubers themselves can gain a significant following and fame from their work. This has raised many an eyebrow in regards to how much YouTubers deserve this. Anyone with a camera and a Internet access (both of which come with the ever ubiquitous smartphone) can, in essence, become a YouTuber. The quality of uploaded content varies a lot and much does not need obvious talent to produce. Vlogs, for example, usually function as a video diary in which the YouTuber simply documents their daily exploits.

Having said all this, here I am, to give you my opinion on why YouTubers can serve a series of important purposes (even if some do not!)...

Entertainment!

Whether you are a fan of any YouTubers or not, it is undeniable - they do entertain some people out there - they wouldn't be able to make a living from it if they didn't. Some people genuinely enjoy watching others go about their daily lives, be taken through their latest purchases or recent favourite products.

If you search for long enough, you will likely find a YouTuber that covers something you are interested in, you can relate to or that shares the same sense of humour as you. There is probably something for everyone out there.

To be honest, I have lost count at how many times I have laughed out loud while watching some YouTubers' videos, and watching them can be something you really look forward to, or a tool to help you unwind at the end of the day.

A Sense of Community/Connection

A real sense of community and connection between a YouTuber and their fans or within the fandom itself. A with a love for the same films or books can connect people, so can a love of a particular YouTuber's content. My own knowledge of YouTubers has helped me seem a little less alien to the teenage students I help for my job (at least, I think it has!)

YouTubers also frequently involve their fans in their work, setting up competitions, reading their comments on video, asking them to send in questions or their fan made content etc. All this can help people feel less alone, perhaps even feel part of something. Some viewers may not be getting this sense of inclusion in other areas of their lives.

Education

YouTubers can also educate viewers on many different subjects. This can be in the form of easily digestable academic pieces, or covering more personal issues and giving tips on how to deal with certain social situations.

Of course, there are potential problems with the accuracy and suitability of the educational content, given that anyone can create said content without necessarily being an expert on it. However, I think that YouTubers being a source of learning for younger individuals has many benefits. Viewers may be more likely to take on what it being said when it comes from someone they look up to. There are also many YouTubers that can function as an older brother or sister to viewers, being there to discuss things that the viewers are curious, but too frightened or embarrassed to ask about.

Good Role Models

Again, this most certainly does not apply to every YouTuber out there, in fact, a few have shown less than admirable behaviour through their content, but there are also many that show themselves in a very good light.

For example, in a world full of fake representations of women, full of Kardashians that cannot be seen with a hair out of place, we can see YouTubers with bare faces, with acne and eye bags. Showing us that we are human, and it can help the young and impressionable realise that it's okay to look less than perfect - reinforcing the truth that celebrities have a team of help and tools to look the way they do, no matter how naturally occurring it might seem.