A Sponsored Generation Like

Buenos Dias mis amigos,

As one can probably discern my level of desperation for finding new ways of saying ‘hello’ has sunk to a depth so low of I have resorted to using the means of other languages. On the flip side however, I am making use of code switching #unit1isstillrelevant. I hope my use of colloquial speech isn’t misinterpreted, as it is just a creative way to remain relevant and interesting.

Interestingly enough, the idea of staying relevant and interesting is one of the key issues of this post however before I jump the gun its time for the new WOW word. The word “insinuate” describes a hint or implicit suggestion usually underlined with a negative or unpleasant connotation. An example of this would be if someone were to insinuate that these segments of mine are superfluous, harboring no real value, which of course would be a load of poppy cock.

The topic of this blog post pertains to a documentary watched earlier today. Aptly titled, “Generation Like,” this non-fictional narrative delves into the untold story of marketing present within social media and how we as consumers are subconsciously catalysts of this. The documentary itself was extremely interesting, gripping my attention, which is something that many documentaries have failed to do resulting with my head making contact with the desk and a following 40 minutes I cannot recall. This documentaries however rather than bringing me to a realization that brings me to offense adversely leads to appreciate the cunningness of advertisers and the sheer brilliance of their techniques. In response to this I have chosen to a write a response to the prompt, “Do you believe that today’s YouTube stars are being exploited or empowered?”

A thought-provoking question, this prompt elicits much discussion as it not being a polarized issue allows for spirited debate (which I encourage in the comments). The documentary itself showcased this through famous YouTube star, Tyler Oakley. A star I myself have little familiarity with; I found it interesting to see his progression from just starting on YouTube to where he is today. Now in terms of whether or not someone like him has been exploited or empowered as a result of this new form of subliminal advertising is entirely subjective. For example in my opinion if he as an individual can do what he loves which is vlog about his musings and life, while also endorsing products along the way I believe there is no harm done but instead the complete opposite as he gains more money. Tyler was even quoted saying that his audience would be able to see right through him if he were to ever intentionally push a product with the sole agenda being to endorse it. However on the flip side, the endorsement of products to gain sponsorship from companies and make extra money can be negatively received as thus resulted in the coining of the term, “sell out.” Described as ‘a betrayal of one's principles for reasons of expedience,’ this is the case for any YouTube star who would compromise of their character and the persona they had in their initial years just for the sake of money. This being said the terms empowered and exploited are two opposite yet not completely antithetical terms as they can be found in varying degrees within the same situation. For example, yes one is exploited when he is consciously or even subconsciously promoting another company’s product yet can be simultaneously empowered as the money they receive allows them to support their channel allowing them to better the quality of their videos. Fan responses towards many YouTube stars who have gone down this path have been ambivalent however everyone is just doing what they can to stay relevant and on top.

On a side note there is a brilliant TV show that captured the essence of this reality and depicted it comically in a way every language enthusiast can enjoy. This of course courtesy of the child friendly TV show, South Park broadcast on Comedy Central, Wednesday Nights! I think I can classify myself as a star now as I have just endorsed a product! Anyway the episode is the most recently released addition to the ongoing 19^th season, titled “Sponsored Content.”

Till next time feliz navidad!