Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vital info in unfiltered docu about dangers of YouTube.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The YouTube Effect
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE YOUTUBE EFFECT, writer-director Alex Winter takes viewers through the history of the incredibly successful video-sharing website. Starting with YouTube's humble beginnings, the film proceeds to lay out the ways the platform has both played a role in motivating positive global change and -- Winter argues -- negatively altered the very fabric of society. Through interviews with YouTube's founder and CEO and many influencers, Winter reveals the dangers of an unchecked algorithm that values profit over people.
Is It Any Good?
While Winter's documentary shares essential information about a brand that's ubiquitous in many kids' lives, it's a traumatic, anxiety-inducing ride. While they're accurate and important, the examples shown of the harmful content and hateful attitudes that get promoted by YouTube's algorithm may be too much for many kids to take in one sitting.
Many parents aren't too concerned about their kids watching YouTube -- or believe that YouTube Kids offers a safety buffer. But the film helps explain the problematic content that a platform reliant on user content and ethics-free technology can present to even the youngest viewers. The YouTube Effect isn't particularly well organized, and it's definitely banging the gong of doom. But it emphasizes the fact that media literacy is more important now than ever. And it's accurate in showing how YouTube can now be considered complicit in creating negative outcomes for individuals and, if those in charge don't course-correct, societies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which YouTube creators they trust, and why. Do you seek out creators with accreditation, degrees, or legitimate backgrounds in the subjects they discuss? Why, or why not?
Can humans program morality or responsibility into artificial intelligence? What is the lack of these qualities doing to YouTube? How many ways is AI a part of your life?
If "we are what we watch," then based on what you watch, who are you? Are there people you know who've started acting differently after following or subscribing to a certain influencer?
How are influencers being financially and psychologically affected by the YouTube algorithm? How have you seen thumbnails and video titles change through the years? What makes you click on a video? How often do you watch what the recommender suggests?
Which of the people interviewed in The YouTube Effect display courage, integrity, and humility? Why are these important character traits?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 7, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : August 8, 2023
- Cast : Anthony Padilla , Natalie Wynn , Caleb Cain
- Director : Alex Winter
- Studio : Alamo Drafthouse
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 3, 2023
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