Teenagers are known to yearn for individuality and to be recognized for such. YouTube has been used for the past three years as a platform for teens to share how to overcome life's obstacles. Sharing stories has led to virtual friendships and support.
History of YouTube
In 2005 three PayPal co-workers united to create an internet site that would allow users to post their videos online. By the year's end Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim's creation quickly reached eight million daily views (Biography).
Within a year Google purchased YouTube for $1.6 billion and incorporated tools to allow novice users to upload videos. Popular tools included video responses, Screening Room, captions, and personal channels. By this time over 100 million daily views were the average (YouTube).
Teen Uses of YouTube
Facebook is an essential tool for most teenagers to communicate to other teens. However, teens are limited to displaying their videos to registered friends. With YouTube teens can make their videos public and searchable with keyword tags.
One infamous teen, Justin Bieber, used YouTube to showcase his vocal talents and was eventually offered a music contract. In 2008 teens routinely posted videos of other students fighting. Some even boasted the videos were a part of a Fight Club.
Teens also have used YouTube to upload homework video projects to show in class; present how-to videos on makeup application and hairstyle designs; and promote random day-to-day activities.
YouTube Secrets
While not generally highly advertised, many teens are using YouTube to share their secrets both anonymously and publicly. If one was to enter "Teen Secrets" in YouTube's search box, video descriptions appear that encourage other teens to disclose their secrets. One specific video, hosted by ForeverLost21, asked teens to submit their secrets to the host who then created a video. Some secrets include "i was thinking of suicide but i am not because of one person" and "I'm bi."
Another video fad is to post "My Secrets". The premise is to record oneself with music in the background. Instead of speaking teens use index cards to express their secrets or story. Some will tell how they live with a disease, suicidal thoughts or actions of a loved one, a breakup, or even abuse. These videos are sometimes referred to as Tumblr or Tumblr Confessions.
One video from confessionkid refers to his life as a gay teen who has been molested by an older man and bullied and punched in school. Briawnaa's video confessions hints at self-esteem issues, a disability, abuse, divorce, and hurt. These videos seem to allow teens to disclose private information in a safe forum. They feel that they can not speak the words, but that the written confessions provides some sort of cathartic experience.
YouTube secrets and confessions have been a format for teens to display how life is affecting them. While they are not necessarily asking for help, they are able to confide in the audience at large to read about their pain and experiences. The audience in turn usually writes encouraging messages on the teen's video page. Teens may feel that showing a video is easier than telling. The YouTube counter indicates that many of these videos are seen by thousands of other people.
There is a mystery to why teens have chosen this expression to cleanse themselves of their fears, worries, and troubles. Our technology age has permitted youth to seek online video format to confess their secrets rather than disclosing to friends, family, or counselors. YouTube is quickly becoming the vehicle of preference for therapy among teens.
Kerrie Troseth - Kerrie is a licensed school counselor who works exclusively with adolescents. As a school counselor she is trained in the areas of ...
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