Chapter 8 - Audiences
Social media platforms are
a space for collaboration, commenting, sharing and liking stuff. On most videos
on YouTube viewers have the possibility to leave comments and give 'thumbs up'.
Let's talk audience!
Most vlogs that I've seen for this project are from YouTubers with a few thousand subscribers, meaning that they receive plenty of comments on their videos. This subject relates to digital citizenship. In a way, comments are a space to freely express opinions about the videos, especially as those who comment can choose to be more or less anonymous. Their real name does not have to show and they can choose a custom username.
A major downside from this anonymity, and also the fact that commenting is indirect (typing on a screen from anywhere on the globe), is that it is easy for a viewer to leave negative comments. There are the 'haters' who comment negatively, are judgmental or even bully the creator or other viewers. Sometimes they'd be actively trying to start an argument, throwing in swear words. Useless behaviour compared to those who present proper criticism, it's probably a sign of jealousy. Even though it is said to ignore these comments, it can have a serious impact on those who feel personally addressed by negative comments.
Also, some viewers start treating the YouTuber as an 'employee'. They start complaining if a scheduled video isn't uploaded or on time. I find it quite bizarre that viewers would behave as if they have a say in the lives of those who upload 'free' content. This type of communication starts the feeling of sharing opinions and judgements without radical thinking or trying to understand the creators, situation. Often it seems that some viewers forget that the creators don't have an obligation to upload videos every day, and that the creators shouldn't have to apologise if a video isn't there. And many viewers judge the creator for the weirdest things, they seem to think that since the creator usually gets a lot of positive comments they can be the one to throw something negative at them. Many people seem to forget that everyone has their own way of doing things, and have different lives. Supposedly it’s also jealousy, as many vloggers have glamourous lives with many friends, press events, holidays and trips.
If someone disagrees with something, they should provide a critical reasoning. That is the way to actually help someone, as criticism is like advice. And if someone doesn’t agree, they might as well just give a thumb down because that doesn’t really effect anyone.
On the positive side, the comment section functions as a space for advice and support. It is a community (and fan-club) on its own, where people recognise each other and directly advice or complement each other and/or the YouTuber. I have come across groups of friends, who have met each other through being fans of the same youtubers. They even have special names, such as Bonbonnetjes who are fans of BonColor. Also when Bonnie is vlogging and meets one of her viewers she'd show them in her vlog, which is quite sweet.
Also, this comment-community is like a squad protecting the YouTuber and each other from the negativity. This is quite amazing, as it shows proper engagement as a digital citizen.
Lesson: Don’t be a bully. And don’t listen or comment to negative comments. However, if you think someone is bullying someone else, whether it is in the comment section of a random video or on any other social media platform, always report it. Cyberbullying is a serious case which many people underestimate. Cyberbullying is just as bad as ‘normal’ bullying.
Also check out the Twitter page from this project: @IamVlogged
I've reached my 5000 word limit for this blog, as per assignment guidelines. However, I'm enjoying the writing and sharing so I will keep posting, if not on my personal blog.
Most vlogs that I've seen for this project are from YouTubers with a few thousand subscribers, meaning that they receive plenty of comments on their videos. This subject relates to digital citizenship. In a way, comments are a space to freely express opinions about the videos, especially as those who comment can choose to be more or less anonymous. Their real name does not have to show and they can choose a custom username.
A major downside from this anonymity, and also the fact that commenting is indirect (typing on a screen from anywhere on the globe), is that it is easy for a viewer to leave negative comments. There are the 'haters' who comment negatively, are judgmental or even bully the creator or other viewers. Sometimes they'd be actively trying to start an argument, throwing in swear words. Useless behaviour compared to those who present proper criticism, it's probably a sign of jealousy. Even though it is said to ignore these comments, it can have a serious impact on those who feel personally addressed by negative comments.
Also, some viewers start treating the YouTuber as an 'employee'. They start complaining if a scheduled video isn't uploaded or on time. I find it quite bizarre that viewers would behave as if they have a say in the lives of those who upload 'free' content. This type of communication starts the feeling of sharing opinions and judgements without radical thinking or trying to understand the creators, situation. Often it seems that some viewers forget that the creators don't have an obligation to upload videos every day, and that the creators shouldn't have to apologise if a video isn't there. And many viewers judge the creator for the weirdest things, they seem to think that since the creator usually gets a lot of positive comments they can be the one to throw something negative at them. Many people seem to forget that everyone has their own way of doing things, and have different lives. Supposedly it’s also jealousy, as many vloggers have glamourous lives with many friends, press events, holidays and trips.
If someone disagrees with something, they should provide a critical reasoning. That is the way to actually help someone, as criticism is like advice. And if someone doesn’t agree, they might as well just give a thumb down because that doesn’t really effect anyone.
Image: YouTube Screenshot - 2wmn: Martine's pregnancy anouncement
User 1: What does an unplanned pregnancy mean? It's 2017.
User 2: I have the same thing, I'm actually just kind of disappointed
User 3: That's not a nice comment to post below such an announcement video
On the positive side, the comment section functions as a space for advice and support. It is a community (and fan-club) on its own, where people recognise each other and directly advice or complement each other and/or the YouTuber. I have come across groups of friends, who have met each other through being fans of the same youtubers. They even have special names, such as Bonbonnetjes who are fans of BonColor. Also when Bonnie is vlogging and meets one of her viewers she'd show them in her vlog, which is quite sweet.
Image: YouTube Screenshot
Positive comment 'Beatiful <3' below Laura Brijde's vlog
(Other comment: I realy like how your dad is trying to talk in Spanish)
Also, this comment-community is like a squad protecting the YouTuber and each other from the negativity. This is quite amazing, as it shows proper engagement as a digital citizen.
Lesson: Don’t be a bully. And don’t listen or comment to negative comments. However, if you think someone is bullying someone else, whether it is in the comment section of a random video or on any other social media platform, always report it. Cyberbullying is a serious case which many people underestimate. Cyberbullying is just as bad as ‘normal’ bullying.
Also check out the Twitter page from this project: @IamVlogged
I've reached my 5000 word limit for this blog, as per assignment guidelines. However, I'm enjoying the writing and sharing so I will keep posting, if not on my personal blog.
Reacties
Een reactie posten