Digital Stars Make YouTube the 'In' Place to Come Out

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.