The pop culture topic I have chosen to discuss is the seminal video sharing site that took flight over four years ago. “YouTube” has become entrenched in the internet user’s mind-set and generated barrels of profit. The sharing site mirrors virtual interaction by means of camera manipulation. It embraces a user’s addiction for popularity and celebrity status, confirming that we have evolved into an entertainment culture.
Reflecting popular culture, YouTube satisfies the average person’s desire to be recognized while feeding the viewers curiosity. Broadcasting encompasses the concept of heroism by offering “five minutes of fame” for the exhibitionist through mini-webcast. YouTube Founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen created an online service that has had an enormous impact on the world.
Easily accessible to the masses and currently offered in twelve different languages, these presentations are not bound by to age, gender, race, income, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. Though criticized for drawing viewers to uncensored violence, hindered communication, lack of creativity, and manipulating our youth, the unsanctioned Google-owned site steadily grows. It keeps up with the times by continuously improving features such as high definition, upgrades, and new designs in order to maintain appeal and popularity.
References:
Fox Video. (2008, April 11). Shock News from Lakeland, Florida. YouTube. Retrieved on May 9th from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-YqVMpBBtM&feature=related
Kilgannon, Corey. (2007, February 13). Teenagers Misbehaving, for All Online to Watch. New York Times. Retrieved on May 8th from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/13/nyregion/13video.html?scp=4&sq=youtube%2C+15+minutes+of+fame&st=nyt
Long, Tony. (2005, February 15). YouTube. Wired. Retrieved on May 9th from http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/02/dayintech_0215
[Turnitin.com Submission: Weekly Analysis [1-4] 05-17-09 - 0%]
