Project Title
What Molded a Generation: YouTubers' Construction of Mediated Ethos
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Dr. Jamie Downing
Abstract
This project analyzes how YouTubers construct ethos in ways that position them as both influencer and friend within specific target audiences. Drawing from YouTuber streamers MrBeast, Markiplier, and MatPat, I use content analysis to understand how these otherwise regular people present themselves in ways that attracts such long lasting and dedicated attention from their millions of followers. Drawing from rhetorical persuasive theory, I argue that the open-nature and seemingly pure intentions of these figures encourages viewers to develop parasocial relationships with these streamers. For example, Markiplier pitches himself simply: “From quality content to meme-able garbage, from scary games to full-on interactive movies you'll find it all.” YouTubers present themselves as friends of their viewers without making demands of them.
What Molded a Generation: YouTubers' Construction of Mediated Ethos
This project analyzes how YouTubers construct ethos in ways that position them as both influencer and friend within specific target audiences. Drawing from YouTuber streamers MrBeast, Markiplier, and MatPat, I use content analysis to understand how these otherwise regular people present themselves in ways that attracts such long lasting and dedicated attention from their millions of followers. Drawing from rhetorical persuasive theory, I argue that the open-nature and seemingly pure intentions of these figures encourages viewers to develop parasocial relationships with these streamers. For example, Markiplier pitches himself simply: “From quality content to meme-able garbage, from scary games to full-on interactive movies you'll find it all.” YouTubers present themselves as friends of their viewers without making demands of them.