OSP: Influencers and celebrity culture

 1) How has YouTube "democratised media creativity"?

Anyone with an internet connection can upload and distribute videos on YouTube, which is a free and open platform. This accessibility lowers traditional barriers to entry in the media sector, allowing people from all walks of life to create and distribute content without the need for costly equipment or distribution networks

2) How does YouTube and social media culture act as a form of cultural imperialism or 'Americanisation'? 

YouTube is one of the world's major video-sharing platforms, mostly vids of content generated by Americans or influenced by American culture. American content also easily has a makers frequently has a global audience.

3) How do influencers reinforce capitalist ideologies? 

Many influencers use their material to display and promote companies and services such and called as ads. They frequently promo a desire in their followers to purchase these things, which is clearly capitalism.

4) How can YouTube and social media celebrity content be read as postmodern, an example of hyperreality? 

5) What are the arguments for and against regulating online content such as YouTube?

They need to make sure the content uploaded applies with there terms and conditions to make sure there is no vile content posted on the platform.

6) How can Hesmondhalgh and Curran & Seaton's ideas be linked to online media debates? 

Hesmondhalgh ideas on cultural ideas can be linked to online media debates. This topic is relevant to discussions regarding content creators and influencers. It raises concerns about the value of digital content and the working conditions of people who create it.

7) How can Gauntlet's ideas around identity and audience be applied to YouTube and influencer content?

Gauntlets identity idea shows that people actively develop and experiment with their identities through media and communication. Influencers frequently participate in various sorts of identity change or diversity on YouTube and social media platforms.

8) What is YOUR opinion on celebrity influencers? Are they a positive, democratic addition to the contemporary media landscape or a highly constructed product promoting hegemonic capitalist ideologies?   

They are a very positive for the world of social media and gen z because most people have some sort of influcensor the like or look up to.

2) How to build a social media brand: case study

Read this excellent case study on how to build a celebrity social media brand and answer the following questions: 

1) What are the different ways celebrities manage their social media accounts? Give examples. 

Although some celebrity social media accounts appear to be random musings and updates, others are focused on specific promotions, shout-outs, and announcements. 

2) Why is 'voice' important in celebrity social media content and what examples are provided? 

The tone and personality of a celebrity on social media can be compared to how a distinct brand voice helps companies stand out from the crowd. most influencers attitudes to social media has made her more charming and personable to her millions of fans. 

3) What different goals may celebrities have for their social media accounts? 

4) What types of content can be found from celebrity social media posts? 

Behind-the-scenes content, Interview and snapshot.

5) How does social media allow influencers to interact with fans? Give examples.  

They could organise meet and greets which gives their fans a chance to come and take pictures with the creators and just a fun time to get signatures.

3) Guardian article: Social media harming young people

Finally, read this Guardian article reporting that social media and celebrity culture is harming young people. Answer the following questions:

1) What did the YMCA's report suggest about social media content and celebrity culture?  

The youth charity YMCA spoke to more than 1,000 young people aged between 11 and 16. They found that 62% of 15 to 16-year-olds felt that social media had ramped up expectations over their personal appearance. Photoshopped images and the sharing of only the most flattering shots shifted young people’s understanding of what a normal body looked like, the charity said.Ideals of physical perfection were also said to be driven by celebrity culture, with 58% of 11 to 16-year-olds identifying it as the main influence.Denise Hatton, the chief executive for YMCA England and Wales, said: “We’ve all been guilty of only posting our most flattering pictures on social media. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to show yourself from your best angle, it’s important that we still like ourselves when we’re not looking our best, which is probably the majority of the time for most of us.”

2) What examples are provided of how this can have a damaging effect on young people? 

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, the chair of the child and adolescent faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said last year: “There is a growing crisis in children and young people’s mental health, and in particular a gathering crisis in mental distress and depression among girls and young women.”Dubicka said social media such as Snapchat and Instagram “can be damaging and even destructive” to girls’ mental wellbeing. “There’s a pressure for young people to be involved 24/7 and keep up with their peer group or they will be left out and socially excluded.”

3) What is YOUR opinion on this topic? Do you feel social media is dangerous to young people? Should age restrictions be enforced? Explain your answer. 

I feel that social media has its ups and downs, and that how a user uses their platform defines the type of content they choose to look at and also view.