Is this online trend really worth the views? You tell me.

YouTube is one of the most successful platforms on the internet, with creators such as pewdiepie and KSI proving that you are able to create a viable career by following your dream. This motivated many others to create online content which allowed them to showcase their own creative talent.

However it has become quite apparent that some creators have become obsessed with internet fame. Creating videos revolving around ridiculous trends, the latest one is the “I mailed myself in a box challenge.” Which is rather self-explanatory, people decided to get inside a box and post themselves to a specific location. Some videos were humours skits others were serious however both highlight the stupidity of this online trend.

Trends like this anchor the fact my generation depend on social media, alongside the positive feedback they receive from complete strangers from across the globe. I believe YouTube is a place to showcase creative talent in various formats, not to create ridiculous trends in order to receive an influx in views.

Rice Gum received over 14,000,000 views on his skit of this challenge, however various viewers within the comment section didn’t understand that the video wasn’t serious.This is extremely alarming as they may try this and injure themselves in the process, which could cause significant problems for Rice Gum’s career all because they didn’t understand the implications of actually partaking in such a stupid trend.

Personally I understand the desire to capitalise on current trends, but when your audience are unable to decipher whether or not copying your video would be dangerous. You need to evaluate whether or not you should post certain content, as many viewers are impressionable and will do anything in order to relate to the people they admire. In no way do I blame Rice Gum or any other YouTuber for their audience’s actions; I just believe that they may need to re-evaluate their content taking into account the mental state of some viewers.

One piece of advice I have for any aspiring creator, is that you don’t have to partake in every online trend to become successful within your field. You will receive recognition for hard work and high quality, so don’t create content you don’t enjoy just to receive your five minutes of fame.

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