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An Anthropological Study of Video Sharing on YouTube: Exploring Social and Cultural Practices in the Digital Age

Henry James

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Thanks for Watching: An Anthropological Study of Video Sharing on YouTube

by Patricia G. Lange

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	361 pages

In the contemporary digital landscape, video sharing platforms have become ubiquitous platforms for social interaction, knowledge sharing, and cultural expression. Among these platforms, YouTube stands out as a veritable cultural phenomenon, boasting over 2 billion active users worldwide.

This article presents an anthropological study of video sharing on YouTube, drawing on ethnographic research to explore the social and cultural practices that shape this phenomenon. By examining how individuals and communities use YouTube to construct and negotiate their identities, share knowledge, and connect with others, we aim to shed light on the transformative potential of this platform in the digital age.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach, involving participant observation and in-depth interviews with YouTube users from diverse backgrounds and demographics. The research was conducted over a period of 12 months,期间 researchers immersed themselves in the YouTube ecosystem, engaging with users in various online and offline settings.

Findings

Our findings reveal that YouTube is not merely a passive platform for content consumption, but an active space where users engage in a wide range of social and cultural practices. These practices can be broadly categorized into:

Identity construction and expression: YouTube provides a platform for individuals to create and share videos that reflect their unique identities, values, and perspectives. Through their videos, users can express their creativity, showcase their talents, and connect with others who share their interests.
Community formation and engagement: YouTube fosters the formation of online communities around shared interests and identities. Users create channels and participate in discussions, sharing their thoughts and experiences with others. These communities provide a sense of belonging and support, enabling users to connect with like-minded individuals from around the globe.
Knowledge sharing and education: YouTube has become a vast repository of knowledge, with users sharing videos on a wide range of topics, from educational tutorials to historical documentaries. The platform enables individuals to access and share information, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic background.
Alternative narratives and cultural exchange: YouTube provides a space for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives to reach a global audience. Users create videos that challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative viewpoints, fostering cultural exchange and challenging established social norms.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that YouTube has a profound impact on social and cultural practices in the digital age. The platform empowers individuals to construct and express their identities, connect with others, share knowledge, and challenge established narratives.

In particular, we highlight the transformative potential of YouTube as a platform for cultural exchange and the dissemination of alternative narratives. By providing a space for marginalized voices to be heard, YouTube challenges dominant cultural norms and promotes greater understanding and empathy across different cultures.

This study provides a comprehensive anthropological perspective on video sharing on YouTube, revealing the social and cultural practices that shape this phenomenon. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of YouTube as a platform for self-expression, cultural exchange, and the dissemination of alternative narratives. As the platform continues to evolve, future research should explore its ongoing impact on society and culture in the digital age.

References

boyd, d. (2011). Social network sites as networked publics: Affordances, dynamics, and implications. In Z. Papacharissi (Ed.),A networked self: Identity, community, and culture on social network sites (pp. 39-58). Routledge.
Burgess, J., & Green, J. (2018). YouTube: Online video and participatory culture. Polity.
Couldry, N. (2012). Media, society, world: Social theory and digital media practice. Polity.
boyd, d., & Ellison, N. B. (2008). Social network sites: Definition, history, and scholarship. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 13(1),210-230.
Miller, H., Costa, E., Haynes, N., McDonald, T., Niccolini, D., & Gray, R. (2016). The digital ethnographer: Constructing research from the data traces of online worlds. Sage.

Thanks for Watching: An Anthropological Study of Video Sharing on YouTube

by Patricia G. Lange

5 out of 5