YouTube for Good: A Content Analysis of Viral and Nonviral Inspiring YouTube Videos

• In Event: Social Sharing and Virality

Abstract

Over the past two decades, a spate of popular press and academic writings have warned of how our current reliance on media technology might be facilitating negative consequences for users. However, not all media technologies are negative; some content available through technology can inspire empathy, human virtue, character building, an “others orientation,” and prosociality. For instance, self-transcendent emotions that promote an “others orientation” can be triggered when we encounter specific stimuli like vastness, encouragement, or portrayals of others experiencing self-transcendent emotions. In this study, we conducted the first systematic analysis of inspiring media content, as represented in a sample of 100 videos posted on YouTube.com in order to explore the portrayals of self-transcendent emotions and elicitors to which technology users may be exposed. Results suggest that inspirational videos are predominantly filled with depictions associated with hope and the appreciation of beauty and human excellence. Implications for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Katherine R. Dale, Florida State U

• Sophie H Janicke, Chapman University

• Arthur A. Raney, Florida State U

• Nadia Marita Andayani

• Joshua Baldwin, Michigan State U - Department of Communication

• Alex Huebner, Florida State U

• Jerrica Rowlett, Florida State U

• Allie Taylor, U of Arkansas

• Stephanie Trejos, Florida State U

• Cen Wang, Florida State U

• Danyang Zhao, Florida State University