Virtuous Video Library

Metaphor used:

To criticize YouTube as a virtuous platform, I want to relate it to a real virtuous tool: the nonfiction book. Therefore, I will imagine a speculative scenario in which any kind of video is converted to paper format, acquiring-apparently-the virtues of books. All these video books are stored in a library, which is responsible for preserving their cultural value. My dataset will thus be metaphorized by a series of books representing – ironically – my virtuous use of YouTube.

Intended Meaning:

It is a provocation toward the illusory responsible use of social networks – especially those deemed most innocuous. Diminishing the idea that YouTube is a tool for study and learning (or worse, that it is an alternative to true study and learning), I want to highlight instead the pervasiveness of the real content offered by the platform: entertainment. This is because, although I try to use YouTube as virtuously and constructively as possible, my watched history persuades me instead to support the thesis of technological determinism: in the end, it is always technology that dictates how we use it, in spite of our ideal intentions. And YouTube is not meant to be used virtuously.

Source:

YouTube usage (October 21, 2022 – October 21, 2023). Obtained from Google: 10,746 videos viewed and 2,047 searches made.