I get asked all the time (mainly by my parents) why I watch YouTube all the time. There are many ways I can answer this, so instead of only giving one answer, let me give three.
First, YouTube has inspired me from a young age to go to new places, try new things, and reach outside of my comfort zone. If it weren’t for YouTubers, I most likely would not be teaching myself to be a makeup artist or getting excited about my next hikes. Elton and Heath of TFIL have especially given me a future of adventures to look forward to that I can’t wait to accomplish.
YouTube not only has inspired me to travel and branch out, but the people I watch have become my safe space. People like JackSepticEye, Markiplier, Sam and Colby, TFIL, Liza Koshy, Dan and Phil and so many more have become a place online where I can hide in rather than turning to harmful coping skills I have in the past. When I’m upset or angry, I’ll always watch these people and then start thinking about my future and all the things I plan to do.
Finally, YouTube has, in a small way, saved me. There have been more times in my recovery than I can count where I’ve wanted to resort back to the old ways of harming myself and drowning myself in hatred, but when I pull up a video, there is always a smiling face there that wants to talk - maybe not directly to me, but hearing them speak is enough to let me know that they are there. I could never thank these people enough for helping me in times where every color was dulled (that is until JackSepticEye’s bright green hair pops up on my timeline).
So now everyone knows why I care so much about YouTube. It’s not just a website full of idiots and it shouldn’t be underrated. YouTube and it’s creators have helped me in more ways than most would think and will always remain as a space where I feel loved and accepted.