The document discusses theories relating to vlogging and how it connects people via communities on YouTube. It relates Wesch's theory that Web 2.0 empowers people by linking them. Vlogging allows understanding of others and oneself. While user-generated content can enable opportunities, it may also result in inappropriate content without gatekeepers, as discussed by Keen's theory of cultural chaos. Examples shown are of vloggers gaining mainstream opportunities, challenging and supporting the theories.

1. Media in the Online Age
Issues & Debates
Relating theory
to vlogging

2. Bring in some theory
(e.g. an idea from Gauntlett, Wesch or Keen)
Wesch states that Web 2.0 is linking people
and empowering people

3. Relate to vlogging
(Make points about vlogging that relate to
the theory on the previous slide)
People are connecting via YouTube
communities.
Vlogging as a way of understanding others
and yourself – the diversity needed for this
not catered for in traditional media
representations which can be much more
limited.

4. Examples
Provide examples that evidence the points
you made in the previous slide.
Once successful, they can become integrated
into more mainstream media – e.g. Jim
Chapman presents live broadcast at film
premier for Yahoo film, interviewing Matt
Damon.

5. Evaluate – how convincing is
the theory? Does anything
about vlogging challenge the
theory?
Wesch’s theory is proven right, as Jim
Chapman has been able to link with others
by having friends who are also YouTubers, as
well as linking with the YouTube community,
such as people who are subscribed to him
and watches his videos.
This has given him power over the content
he creates, as it has been able to help him
expand into the main industry and become
part of the old media by interviewing actors
at a film premier. This all showing how
Wesch’s theory has been able to expand and
develop people into getting greater
opportunities thanks to Web 2.0

6. Bring in some more
theory
Keen believes Web 2.0 will create cultural
chaos.

7. Relate to vlogging
Issues with removal of gatekeepers –
inappropriate content can be posted or
encouraged, e.g. Sam Pepper videos where
he is harassing women on the street. Less
regulation with user generated content is
what is empowering about it but also what is
potentially dangerous about it.
Vlogging wasn’t a proper job before, now it
is.

8. Examples (evidence)
Tyler Oakley:
• Vlogger
• Described by another vlogger as most
influential gap person
• Now also makes documentaries
• Is on network TV
• Advises the White House on policy

9. Evaluate – how convincing is
the theory? Does anything
about vlogging challenge the
theory?
Andrew Keen’s theory does make sense to an
extent where Web 2.0 has encouraged
people to generate content that is not
necessary, and can be very inappropriate,
such as Sam Pepper’s YouTube account. This
proves Keen’s theory because it is causing
chaos in specific cultural factors.
However, through Web 2.0, it has given
people the opportunities to make a living out
of generating people’s own content and can
be used in ways that have a positive
influence upon people. This example being
Tyler Oakley, who has made a living out of
vlogging, and has become a very well known
influential person.