I love YouTube. This might seem like a really stupid thing to be in love with, and yes I’ll admit that I might have developed some psychological disorders from countless nights I have spent on this webpage, but it’s definitely been worth it.
Lets start with the actual educational benefit. I think a good enough argument that should definitely convince you that YouTube is amazing and should be loved is the change in opinion BYU has had on YouTube. It was blocked about 2 years ago, and when BYU has a change of heart and then allows students permission to use it again, oh it’s a big deal. When they change the rules on caffeine then I’ll be thoroughly impressed. But I would have to believe the only reason I was able to pass my PDBio class was because of YouTube, I looked up a song about DNA synthesis and was able to memorize the whole process because of a rap someone was able to post and share with the whole WORLD.
The social aspect of being to share anything appropriate with a very large audience for free is another reason I love it. I know people personally who earn their living by posting videos on YouTube just about their lives even. The “Shaytards,” a family in Idaho that I grew up with, started with ShayCarl, their dad, making responses to really big idols on YouTube. He then got very popular and is now able to be a stay at home dad and still earn a living for him family of 4 kids just through posting videos.
Also the entertainment aspect of YouTube cannot be ignored. So many videos of falls, kittens, stupid people, and the like are all over that website. Who knew that Charlie biting his older brothers finger would become so popular. Doctors even say that laughter is the best medicine, and I know I have practically come close to dying from laughter many a time watching Jeffery in Julian Smith’s videos describe how you will die from eating a jellyfish. YouTube is amazing. Love it.
When I began reading I disagreed with your stance; I tend to roll my eyes every time someone mentions some video on youtube that I "have to see!!!" Many times I've been disappointed when someone directed me to a video and I was utterly bored or unamused (example: Double Rainbow). However, I do have a few youtube favorites, and your post is convincing: even though BYU sanctioning it seems like kind of a cheap shot. :) I didn't know about people who make a living off of youtube, and there is true educational value. And it's true: laughter is super important.
ReplyDeleteI don't "love" youtube, but I do appreciate it. I found a guy who made (all or part of) his living off of youtube too. Usually I use youtube because other sites post a video, and Youtube is how they posted it up. There are cute songs that teach you japanese phrases, and videos of chemical reactions, and even parodies of trailers that are funny. The thing I don't like about youtube is that there is copyrighted stuff out there to look out for, so I have to be careful and try to use judgement about what videos I watch, which is a hassle to me. (I try to avoid watching the illegally-uploaded ones.)
ReplyDeleteYes, I can agree with you 110% percent. My top used websites on my internet browser are Facebook, YouTube and Gmail. That tells you something. I am glad there is someone else just as obsessed with it!
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