Social media has changed the way we
communicate with each other over the past several years. People use social
media sites like Facebook and Twitter to share what they’re doing, feeling,
eating and everything else happening in their lives. They use Instagram as a
public photo album, sharing their day-by-day discoveries and passions. But now,
people are using the social media site YouTube for something a lot more
personal than a funny cat video or hair tutorial. It’s becoming a trend for
individuals to “come out” on YouTube.
This article I came across on Yahoo’s
homepage discusses the impact social media has had on aiding individuals
struggling with their sexuality, bullying and self-esteem. Shane Dawson, a
well-known online celebrity came out as bi-sexual to over 7 million of his
YouTube channel followers. He was surprised by the impact he had, and realized
how he was positively affecting people’s lives. Subscribers to his channel and
other online celebrities could relate to him and each other; they also started
sharing their own personal struggles with sexuality, depression and society. Open
communication, awareness and support are growing amongst the LGBT community
through the social media site.
Shane explains “I talk
about things I’ve been through: weight loss, abuse and a lot of things these
kids watching don’t really have anybody to talk [with] about. So I think it’s
just connecting with somebody that they trust.” It sounds like Shane has had a
positive affect on many of his fans while continuing to open up about his
personal battles. YouTube has become a forum for awareness, support and
progression for individual’s struggling with their own happiness. It’s refreshing to see a community of young people
helping each other and being a support system for one another. I hope this blog
can be that for people learning and utilizing the Whole30 program.
