Why You Should Be Afraid Of YouTube Heroes
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Be Afraid Of YouTube Heroes

Your Favorite Videos And Channels Could Be At Risk

16
Why You Should Be Afraid Of YouTube Heroes
youtube.com

Free creator-driven video service YouTube has introduced plenty of new elements to its website over the years. Being around for more than a decade, the top site for independent video creators has seen facets of its service popular and much less so throughout its history. Judging from the dislike bar on their proposed YouTube Heroes program launch video, this idea may just be their least popular yet.

And there’s good reason for this. Many content creators have banded together to speak of what they perceive as the negative elements of YouTube Heroes, so I was inspired to share them with you here.

First off, YouTube Heroes is a program meant to further good will among the YouTube communities. It plans to do this by enhancing viewers’ abilities to flag and report videos for inappropriate content. In doing so, YouTube basically earns unpaid volunteers to moderate channels and videos, potentially putting channels and videos that are not inappropriate at risk also. Essentially, this means that professional, unbiased moderators will be thrown to the wayside with emphasis on giving viewers of any age or level of maturity an unprecedented amount of power.

As YouTube has a history of not checking whether a flagged video is actually inappropriate for the site, this has rightfully worried content creators, who are concerned that these new YouTube Heroes may report videos or entire channels that they may disagree with or dislike instead of report on cyberbullying or other inappropriate material.

Not only is YouTube giving random volunteers the power to mass flag content, but they are also encouraging them to report as much content as is necessary in order to climb up a unique reward system in which these heroes can enjoy early versions of new YouTube perks or products before the mainstream gets their hands on them. Heroes can also work toward the top goal of earning the Heroes Summit perk. Communities of heroes will be able to get together and communicate with official YouTube staff, but much beyond that point is vague and unknown.

YouTube has also decided to group together those who would report unwanted or unappreciated videos with those who volunteer their time to provide subtitles and closed captioning for channels. Basically, those who help spread information and entertainment to the disabled are now put into the same boat as those who may unjustly use their brand new power to report content as they see fit.

It is certainly an interesting prospect that most YouTube frequenters are not taking a liking to. In fact, many seem strongly resentful of the program, leaving those who create or watch content on YouTube to wonder whether YouTube Heroes will be a success. Disabling the comments on their own announcement video for the program may not be a good sign.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

112397
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments