The Dark Side of Controversy: How Social Media and YouTube Handle It
There's a saying that goes, ‘any publicity is good publicity’ or alternately, ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity.’ This can be both true and misleading. While causing controversy can indeed benefit creators, it comes with a heavy price. This article delves into the impact of controversial content on social media and the actions of platforms like YouTube.
Using Controversy as a Marketing Tool
Controversy can significantly boost an individual's or brand's visibility and attract a loyal following. For example, Bhad Bawe and Lil Tay use edgy statements and provocative behavior to draw attention. This type of content can earn significant money, but it often comes at the expense of positive discussions and progress.
Their behaviors can alienate those who have different opinions, setting individuals in opposition and polarizing communities. This can lead to a negative impact on social harmony and progress. Critics view such practices as superficial and lacking in meaningful engagement.
The Case of Peluchin Entertainment: A Horrifying Example
Peluchin Entertainment stands as a stark example of the boundaries of acceptable controversial content. Peluchin gained attention (and infamy) for posting a video where he abused and killed a cat, a scene that elicited such revulsion that it's described as 'fucking disgusting.' This video received over a million views before being taken down, yet Peluchin remains active on YouTube, generating income from the initial exposure.
The opposite scenario is that of Mumkey Jones, who lost his entire channel for making a video that balanced dark humor with insights into the mental health of Elliot Rodgers, a mass shooter. YouTube's response to Mumkey's content aligns with his video's purpose, showing a clear disparity in how controversial content is treated based on intent and impact.
The Discrepancy in Content Moderation
YouTube's inconsistency in content moderation raises significant ethical questions. While Mumkey's balanced approach was deemed as inappropriate, Peluchin's content that clearly shows animal cruelty continues to receive attention and profit. This demonstrates a troubling trend where controversial content with negative impacts is allowed to flourish, while content with the potential for positive engagement and commentary is suppressed.
Ad revenue plays a critical role in this situation. Peluchin's video was earning ad revenue despite its horrific content, highlighting the financial incentives that can lead to such actions. This case exemplifies the need for stricter regulations and more transparent content policies.
The Need for Clearer Guidelines and Action
The ongoing controversy surrounding Peluchin and Mumkey highlights the need for clearer, more comprehensive guidelines from YouTube and other social media platforms. It is crucial to define what constitutes appropriate controversial content and to enforce these guidelines consistently.
Education for content creators and users is also necessary. Platforms can provide resources and best practices for ethical engagement, ensuring that discussions and content creation promote positive societal impact rather than solely exploiting controversy for attention and money.
Users should also be educated on responsible reporting practices. This can help platforms address problematic content more effectively and ensure that individuals are not unfairly targeted or censored.
The treatment of controversial content on platforms like YouTube is a serious issue that demands attention. By addressing these challenges, we can foster a healthier online environment that encourages meaningful discourse and constructive content creation.
Conclusion
While controversy can often attract attention and generate revenue, it is essential to question the cost of this attention. The actions of creators like Bhad Bawe and Lil Tay, in the face of ethical and moral implications, raise concerns about the value of such content. Similarly, the disparity in how controversial content is treated by platforms like YouTube highlights the need for greater scrutiny and regulation.
As we move forward, it is crucial to find a balance between free expression and responsible content creation. By fostering a mindful and ethical approach to content, we can create a safer, more positive online community.