YouTube,in my opinion, is the ultimate vessel in self promotion, besides blogging, that the Internet has to offer; oh, and it's free! This broadcasting website allows you show off to a world that never knew they wanted to know you. With one click of a button you are "live" and in the homes of viewers all around the world, performing in any which way you feel most comfortable.
Creators Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim began YouTube in 2005 and the website basically featured clips from television and movies. Though it may not have been their idea to create a platform for people to use to gain popularity, it sure has become one. "But its most unexpected and long-lasting impact has come from videos made by nonprofessionals, or, rather, by people who are not cable or network television producers." (This quote was taken from a book I'm currently reading titled New New Media (pg.41). This book introduced me to a few things; Obama Girl, whom prior to reading I had never heard of; and Roy Orbison and his guitar, a recounting of how one guitar made a huge impression in a music video. I was also reacquainted with the unique Jenna Marbles, and though I may not fully agree with how Miss Marbles promotes herself, (and the influences she may have on young girls), she is a great example of how anyone can upload a video and become an Internet sensation! I am sure that she has motivated people all over the world to freely express themselves, and not just on-line but off-line as well.
Still, there is a dark side to anything that is free to the public and YouTube has had their share of videos that should have never been uploaded to begin with. One recent post that I came across, (due to the sick sense of humor of others), is, in one word, shameful. I was completely shocked that an adult would film such a thing, then actually post it for the world to see. Somehow the video has managed to stay posted and not be taken down as of yet.
We often must take the good with the bad in order to have society move forward and YouTube is a part of our societies future. With each upload there is a young girl or boy, man or woman, or even entire groups of people that just want to be heard. No matter if their desires are to become famous, spread a hopeful message, or to simply use as an outlet to express themselves; YouTube is where they turn. Let's keep this outlet safe for all that use it, and all that will in the future.
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