Youtube is, in some ways, a strange phenomenon. You start filming something, anything, and put it online. The hope is, obviously, that enough people watch whatever it is you film, so you can earn money. That idea is fueled by the success stories, real as well as fake ones, that tell you that you can become rich and famous in a few easy steps.
There are quite a few people out there who apparently believe they are so special that they need to film their entire lives, yes, just the shit they do every day, and put that out there for anyone to see – and that they will become rich at the same time. In other words, their lives are so interesting that they should be rewarded with money. Youtube on the other hand seems to be growing up, finally. Filming your private life is not only boring (sure if you, the reader, like watching them, be my guest, but please, ask yourself if there is no better way to use your time), it is also very risky. Anyone with bad intentions will quickly find out where to go for that new TV you were bragging about in your latest episode, but also where to go to molest you, or the ones in your family that you love. You could argue that this should not be the case, and that the human race is ill, but you could also wonder if vlogging your private life is a healthy choice in life. Filming yourself and your family constantly is risky.
Now I am the first one to admit that I may see things different than other people, which in itself is a good thing. If we were to see everything the same, the world would be very boring and robot-like. I have seen a few of these family vloggers and I felt sorry for them. They essentially put up a show, and I don’t believe it is their real, true private life they show us. I also think they put their lives, and worse, their childrens’ lives in danger by doing this, all in the name of fame. Why do these people believe it is a wise choice to do so?
Youtube growing up is a good thing. True beauty can be found there, because it allows creators to express themselves. It can be an outlet for artists, but it is also excellent for discussions, documentaries, manuals and more. It could even be the next Netflix at the same time. But to me, filming yourself and hoping that people will use the comments to flatter you, to me, is a sad way to live your life.
The weirdest thing mentioned in the article by The Verge is the fact that these family vloggers feel they were kept in the dark when the comment sections were closed. Really? If Youtube is their way of life, how have they missed all the discussions and developments around the platform that, apparently, fed them? If people could become less self involved, maybe they could look around and use their head for something creative, and not pretend to be the next sitcom. I am stunned by the sheer lack of involvement. People seem to just feel entitled these days, not prepared to do the work that is needed in this world. But maybe it’s me. Maybe, with all of my love for innovation, all the changes in the way that the world works, with my love for people everywhere on the planet alike, and the freedom I feel people should have, instead of being slaves of the system, maybe this was a step even too far for me.
