Parasocial Relationships and Familiar Strangers | Renegade Cut
Vložit
- čas přidán 30. 03. 2019
- Watching a CZcamsr's videos doesn't mean you know the CZcamsr. Fixating on this is called a "parasocial" relationship. Support Renegade Cut Media through Patreon: / renegadecut
CW: suic|de
#parasocialrelationships #youtube
Tumblr: www.renegadecut.com
Twitter: / renegadecut
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/leonthomas/
Patreon: / renegadecut - Krátké a kreslené filmy
On the subject of Frank, I appreciated that despite his charm and creativity, Frank's mental health is not romanticized. Perhaps it might be viewed as heavy handed when John talks to Frank's parents about his illness, but I liked that they outright said how Frank was just mentally unwell from no "traumatic experience" and that if anything his illness stifled his talent.
Natalie Wynn from Contrapoints makes a similar argument
She uses her characters to distance her real self
I’m sorry for the awful stuff you have to absorb .
She is the female American version of philosophytube
I really like that phrase "Curated version of myself". Thank you for sharing and for putting this out there bluntly. I think a lot of people need to remember to separate the artist from the art.
Last year I lived in Japan for awhile, and I didn't adapt well. I struggled when I entered college because I felt like I was being torn away from my High School friends, who I adored, and put into a scary new place. Over time I've gotten better but I still struggle deeply with depression and anxiety.
Anyway, back to Japan. I was there on study abroad and made some pretty good friends. But I didn't engage them, because I was scared to. I crawled into a shell, spending every night unhappy locked up in my room. I soon began clinging to twitch streams and youtube channels, trying to find some form of connection. I remember once, I was listening to the Mega64 Podcast and one of the guys there said "I'm sorry to people out there who think this, but we're not your friends. We don't know you!"
I was heartbroken. I was angry at him for not thinking of my feelings, when his podcast were what I relied on to fuel my social interaction. But I see now how right he was, and I was not healthy at the time. In fact, I still have a long ways to go, but at least after going through this experience I can see where I go wrong and how to improve myself as a person.
I definitely would say I sympathize, at least as much as I can from reading this post. I too lived in Japan for awhile - probably for a shorter time than you, as it was about two months - and I made a number of friends who were very nice people, but there seemed to be a bit of a wall between us. Certainly, part of that was the language and cultural barrier, but not all.
I didn't retreat into the internet as much as you, probably partially because I had less access to it - I had no smartphone (no cell phone at all, actually, which was not socially helpful) and the dorm computers were in a public space and also rather old.
My anxiety reached its highest at certain points in Japan. In class in Japan is the only time I've ever experienced a stuttering problem, and it was severe at times, which was very eye opening to me about stutter sufferers.
I got up at 8am on Sundays to roleplay with my sister and online friends who lived mostly in America and Europe. That familiar contact was extremely comforting, though not exactly parasocial. Webcomics were one way I experienced a parasocial relationship with people I didn't really know.
Actually, when I was a cashier I had lots of people get angry and yell at me for making friendly conversation because I "didn't actually care" about them.
Our culture has a lot of issues with maintaining proper boundaries and having healthy expectations for all the different sorts of relationships one has in their life.
If you're expecting your cashier or a CZcamsr to fill your intimate social needs then you'll be sorely disappointed every time.
There's a lot of entitlement out there.
Unfortunately.
It has always annoyed me when celebrity gossip shows like ET or TMZ refer to stars as say Brad or Jen. Then ask questions like, "so do you [the audience] know what Jen has been doing these past couple months?" As if we personally know Jennifer Aniston. Those kind of TV shows and tabloids really encourage familiarity in these parasocial relationships.
You're right. I think right now it's kind of getting worse, cause everybody is so fucking available all the time.
There is nothing healthy about tabloids.
When I was a (suicidal, gay) teenager recovering from rape and abuse, I grew very attached to youtubers. It felt like they were my friends... but SAFE friends. Friends who could never hurt me, friends who I wasn't vulnerable to at all. They told me (what felt like) everything, while I had to give up nothing of myself to them. I grew very attached to them. It felt like I "knew" them. I fell asleep with their videos on, because it felt safe that way... Friends watching over me when I was most vulnerable. I guess I did feel like, as someone who supported them, that they did owe me something of themselves.
Then the youtube sex scandals started happening (see, Alex Day) and suddenly they no longer felt safe to me. I took a long break from the internet, only coming back a few years later. I'd grown and changed a lot in that time.
But I can absolutely see how parasocial relationships develop between fan and creator. Is it healthy? No. But we're... Very isolated and lonely, and youtbe FEELS like a very genuine platforom.
Aren't we all living a personalized version of Taxi Driver and Perfect Blue? The idea of intimacy through idolization and living vicariously. It didn't occur to me how much Cam is just reality now.
@@nanananananananananananana9430 Yes, Perfect Blue encapsulates internet culture and fandom just like a premonition. Taxi Driver is from 1976 even and shows just how completely desolate human condition can get when we have a bunch of disenfranchised loneliers thinking in violence out loud. It's like the worse case scenario for one man band black metal, sometimes there's a great song but it's mostly just desperation.
lol I added this to my playlist "Pulling Back the Curtain" and you then immediately said "pulling back the curtain"
Fasinating, intellectually stimulating, and thought provoking. Which is why I subscribe and why, given a shift in my personal finantial cirumstances, I'll be signing up for Patreon. Keep the content coming. And thank you.
Thank you as well.
This is an important video and I wish a lot of people would see this and take away the lesson in this.
There's a really great series of videos on this by Shannon Strucci called fake friends if you want to see more.
+ZoanBlade90 Your *other* comments were deleted. I didn't say "I don't know you, and I don't care to!" and you strawmanning me in the other comments was out of line. Enjoy your block. Way to prove my point about people thinking it's a betrayal for me to simply do my job.
Jesus...
I would hate to be famous.
@@kylemitchell3154 I agree. I have bad social anxiety, and the idea of strangers clamoring for my adoration seems like a disturbing concept to me.
I absolutely loved your video and I think it will help a lot of audiences understand proper courtesy and boundaries in this type of relationship, and even CZcamsrs who find this type of relationship weird. You are right, something can be true and still a performance.
I loved it , too, but I'm afraid it will only fall onto open ears. I guess if someone want's to feel offended, they still will. See comment above...
As always, thank you for such insightful work. And for your ‘rehearsed’ honesty. I’m sure it takes a lot of mental and emotional energy to read through the comments and I commend you for getting through that.
his is fascinating in the context of 'beauty youtube' (especially the more mid-level personalities, not the multi-million sub channels), which has been struggling with the line between 'relateable' content and personalities and undisclosed or the concern of possibly undisclosed sponsorships.
I recently watched Struccimovies series of videos on parasocial relationships they are a great follow up for anyone who found the subject here interesting.
Thanks for the tip.
I just watched it and it really gave me more material to reflect on. so thanks again
Yeah her videos on it are really the best introduction on this stuff.
Two years later and this comment is still leading people like myself to her channel. Thanks for commenting
He didn't believe he knew you, he believed he knew enough to judge you.
Its a common tactic of arseholes
i appreciate you taking the time to be real with your audience and laying down these clear boundaries.
I think there are some parallels between the curated personality of public figures and other careers, like teachers. I spend 8 hours a day with my students and we get to know each other well, but there are sides to me they will not see and things I don't want to share with them. On the flip side, some people seem to want a curated character from a teacher, just as they want authenticity from a celebrity.
But yeah, the intimacy that some people think they have with a celebrity seems mentally unhealthy. No one needs to be exchanging fervent 'I love you's with a stranger on Twitter.
I worked in a grocery store for ten years and most people don't expect you to actually care about their small talk, but some people really try to make their local grocery store employees their social circle.
Thank you for sharing your very personal frustrations in order to highlight a larger social phenomenon. I hope your story helps improve the experience of yourself and other creators.
Aaaaand a quick shout out to your videos for their incredible insight, impeccably cited sources, and consistent contributions to clarity in continuing national and international discourse.
The its a performance but still real speaks to me. I remember working retail and hospitality. I’ve had the creepy come on because I smiled at them- but smiling at customers was literally my job!
And I’ve also made excellent chit chat where I was telling the truth- but it’s still behind a mask of “this is my job”. I know it’s not entirely the same thing, but your words did remind me of this part of my life.
You're great bro, you entertain alot and inform. The world needs more people like you
I think parasocial relationships are an important topic to discuss but there's so few videos about it. I'm glad I found yours! Great video.
I've really enjoyed these bit more creative videos, thank you for your channel and videos!
You're welcome.
The internet is scary.
Enjoy your stuff, yes. Have some work that really hits me in the gut, yes. Know you? No.
Thanks for sharing this fraction of your life. Go enjoy the parts you aren't sharing.
Edit: I think one of my biggest worries is crossing that line. I don't want hurt the real person behind Renegade Cut, behind Night Mind, behind the Lindsey Ellis in her essay. I crossed that line once with someone I respect, back when I was a teen. They were polite, but I understood... I crossed a line. It made me feel rotten.
This video, and in particular, you specifically pointing out the fact that you appeared on camera as like “a person” made me think of the phrases “you don’t look like a David” or “you don’t look how I expect!”
I’ve said those things. I think most people have. But this made me stop and think on why I would say those things. And I think it goes back to making this relationship, this person, this fantasy in my head of what someone is “really like.” It also made me consider what I expect out of content creators and out of myself as one. And that’s important food for thought as someone attempting to stream semi-regularly. “Which part of me am I presenting? Where do I draw that line? Where does my privacy begin?” So thanks! Great video.
Directing some positive and wholesome your way, duder.
Much appreciated.
Great video! haha I feel like any comment I make can’t avoid being meta and ironic
I encourage everyone to look up Frank Sidebottom, the partial inspiration for Frank.
There's that new documentary film 'Being Frank' about Chris Sievey out now too!
This was a really fascinating video and a great insight into the presenter/fan relationship.
Glad you liked it.
Limelight by Rush is the perfect companion song to this video. The late great drummer, Neil Peart, wrote on this very topic of the fan/performer relationship in the lyrics to Limelight.
This means a lot. I had to take a step back when some famous people were excused treating people poorly and some of the commenters in their Twitter responses claimed, "That doesn't seem like ____." And this was a person they'd probably never met and almost certainly didn't know intimately.
Since then, I've been constantly trying to check myself, realizing despite the jokes, facts, and witticisms I enjoy from people I follow, I don't know them. Honestly, I think it's easy to slip into that thought pattern, but the consequences are dangerous.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts from your perspective, even if they were scripted.
This seeming contradiction is the essence of art. Your audience may not be interested in knowing whether you present the real you or not, but only the "truth" of your performance. Fame (or infamy) on CZcams creates, I assume, a different social dynamic than in other forms of media, but you'll inevitably get responses that run the gamut of what's humanly possible here, just as you would elsewhere. This is a blessing AND a curse.
When it comes to the Parasocial relationship, I’ve had mixed feelings over them because on one hand I like interacting with my favorite youtubers...when Movies with Mikey did live-streams, I love hanging out with Mikey Neuman and Ben Paddon and having conversations over stuff I could relate to them about
It was strange because I felt a genuine connection with them BUT over time I’ve realized that it’s not “real” but fake doesn’t adequately describe it as well
Between this vid you’ve made and Shannon Strucci’s vid (I’m sorry if this is the 127472648266 time comparison this essay will get😅), I’ve had to put in perspective the interactions I’ve had with youtubers and Internet personalities and see what I should and shouldn’t be doing
I know Lindsay Ellis, ContraPoints, you or any other CZcamsr isn’t my personal friend BUT you’re friendly enough for that interaction and I’m grateful for it
That is a fascinating insight! I caught myself thinking "huh, I DO feel like I know my favourite CZcamsrs!" CZcams as a platfirm feels so intimate and genuine in comparison to TV that I feel as if I'm listening to a friend when watching some favourite channels. I wouldn't assume though that they experience anyhting like it towards their audience as a whole or individually.
Power to you, man!
Thank you for posting this. Doesn't seem like an easy thing.
As always, I appreciate your perspectives and admire your work.
Wow, this was powerful. Your video essays always surpass any expectations I could ever concoct! Thanks for always blowing my mind.
Would people you meet and speak to daily on Facebook be a Parasocial Relationship? And, I just mean the ones where you didn't know the person before friending them on social media and never met them offline. Great video. And, it shatters the illusion that is king on CZcams. The shallow reality it sells.
No. Your relationship with online friends is balanced. It's not the same as a face-to-face relationship, but it's not parasocial either.
Thx for your great videos! i allways found something for me in them to think about. like your youtube persona, hope you keep on doing what you like.
I saw someone explain influencer culture as that quote from the Incredibles "and when everyone's super, no-one will be"
They pointed out that if you substitute 'super' for 'famous', that's basically the current influencer paradoxical hellscape. Everyone is both following Instagram influencers to see their curated posts, and learning from them how to curate their own posts to influence others.
Everyone's super now.
What an intelligent and well thought out presentation. I've listened and watched a few of your videos. You have a clear and nuanced way of presenting ideas. Thanks for making this statement. Well said and necessary.
I have never commented b 4 on a youtube video & i promise i have watched a lot i just wanna say u r doin a awesome job i really like all your videos i have learned & even changed some old beliefs so thank u .
CZcams emphasizes community and if a youtuber resonates with you, you probably start thinking (or even wishing) that you could be friends in real life. Even though it's silly, I do get a small jolt of glee when a youtuber likes a comment i've made, for instance. I guess this is inevitable and that's why it's important for youtubers to talk about it. How they personally feel about this phenomenon. Every relationship has rules, parasocial relationships should be no exception and since people are different, the rules of engagement can differ. Thank you for your work, familiar stranger.
Thank. YOU! It was cool seeing parts of the video where you felt challenged inn conveying your message. The eye contact aversion from the camera was very telling. Thank you for sharing this message
This is thoughtful and smart and I appreciate the work you do. As with any of your other videos, it has taught me something that I hope to internalize going forward.
One of your best videos yet. Thank you!
Perhaps this is a more comfortable compliment: I like your work. You make very good points. Thank you for your thoughtful video essays. :)
I love StrucciMovies' series on ParaSocial Relationships. Highly recommend it!
ok but adding um and uh into your script is a speech 100 move
Very thoughtful & thought-provoking
11:02 YOU MAGNIFICENT BASTARD, YOU READ YOUR SCRIPT!
Seriously, though, excellent work once again. I hope I personally haven't overstepped these boundaries too far in the past.
you have a very good way of presenting content in a natural and I would have to say intimate manner. it sounds off the cuff. I had to remind myself that you must be using editing and scripts because these seemingly casual narrative devices link up and allow clear logical progression and unfolding of ideas over 10 minutes talking about the interaction of complex theory and film. You're tackling inequality too by illuminating how powerful people frame issues in their own interests. You probably already know, but I will say it, you are a good man doing good work in an effective way for the benefit of other people.
Really useful and important discussion. This sort of thing is why I support you on Patreon, in that it's something thoughtful and dealing with a topic that is seldom addressed. I am a "familiar stranger" to a group of a few thousand people through my own work and tutorials, and this has sometimes resulted in people addressing me with a level of intimacy that made me very uncomfortable, so I really sympathize with that aspect, too.
I have a person emailing me right now who started out asking technical questions but immediately began ending each message with "Thanks for being you. Love, Name." I haven't asked him to stop yet, because I feel he will react emotionally and it will be unpleasant, but I am really not comfortable with it and I would rather he had not done it.
Love your work, keep tinking about them before falling asleep, makes me hopefull.
I appreciate your channel for the relative emotional distance compared to many other channels because I'm uncomfortable with the illusion of friendship created by this kind of media. Certain content can *feel* very vulnerable and emotionally intimate and it's challenging and sort of sad to keep in mind that the artists who make it don't know me at all. So I've gravitated toward media that doesn't feel that way as much. I wish it were more of a norm for content creators to set boundaries and their audiences to respect them.
I tend to run through creators' archives and experience the parasocial relationship in fast forward. What is interesting to me is that the feeling of the "familiar stranger" is strongest at the mid-way point. As I delve farther into the archive, bits and pieces of the "real" person show through, hinting at the enormous depth of the actual human that isn't truly ever seen. Over time that parasocial feeling of connection wains. It's like having a crush (romantic or platonic) on a work buddy. As you get to know them better, that crush wains and more mature feelings develop whether it's wanting to know the complete person in more depth or realizing that work buddy is probably the best option. With content creators, obviously there is no interactive relationship at all. Question: Lots of creators are doing discord and having really ramped up online interactions with fans. Do you feel that muddies the waters even more and is it healthy or wise for either side?
I wanted to wait with this video till I watched the actual movie, but ended up watching the video anyway, and I'm glad I did. Great work as always, I like the shift in tone and style.
I think that of all the CZcamsrs I follow, you're the one I most identify with. Maybe because we're roughly the same age, both are bald, have social anxiety and have similar views and interests (except for the whole theme park thing, which is so not me). I mean, it's also simply because I like the content you make, but when I discovered Word Funk, I kinda fell down that rabbit hole, systematically catching up with all of the episodes. That's partially because I'm a crazy completionist, but also because Word Funk is as you often describe it, "a conversation between friends", and I wanted in on that.
Five years ago, I moved away from my hometown after living there for all of my life. There were several reasons, but it was largely so we could be closer to my wife's parents and get some support and help with the kids. I basically uprooted my life, moved away from my friends and even my own family, and at the time I insisted it wouldn't have that much of an effect on me.
My bandmates (who coincidentally, were my closest friends) and I tried to keep it going and I would drive down there for rehearsals, but atrophy from years of making music and playing concerts to very limited success, caused us to eventually pull the plug, and we pretty much drifted apart.
So listening to you talk with Johnny and Austin served as somewhat of a substitute for that. It made me feel like maybe I should also start a CZcams channel or podcast (even though what I really needed to do was reconnect with my friends, still not sure which of the two is harder). And when I sent a question and it got through, it was exhilarating; it felt like I was being invited to join the conversation, which of course, I wasn't really, and when I wrote my response to your response to my question and got no response, I was a bit disappointed.
Eventually I had to realize that yes, we are not friends, and that's okay. I try not to insert myself and be too presumptuous. I follow you on Twitter and sometimes I start writing a response and end up deleting it because I feel like I would be bothering you - which might be a general good rule for all online interactions.
Another great vid. I really enjoyed it.
I had a strange reversal of a parasocial relationship. A guy in a band I was a fan of added me because he found out I was a fan of his band through a friend of a friend. It wasn't just someone using social media for marketing either, he started messaging me.
Thank you Leon. This video helped me identify the particular unease I feel being around other fans and interacting with celebrities at conventions.
For the former, I'm unsettled by and feel second hand embarrassment for people who feel a parasocial relationship with a stranger because of a fictional character or curated identity that person portrays. These are my peers. They are reflections of me, but embracing things I see as awkward, obsessive, or delusional.
For the latter, the inherently imbalanced relationship presents two anxieties. First that the celebrity may expect me to engage in those behaviours and cause them second-hand embarrassment. Or second, and probably worse, that I'm going to make them uncomfortable by /not/ behaving like a fan-boy because what I really want is to connect with the real person behind the mask of celebrity.
Good vid Leon. I think part of the problem is that following a youtuber for a time, you can get to know a lot of their opinions on a wide range of topics. Some people don't necessarily have as deep an understanding of what their friends think about various topics.
Our understanding of your opinions on art are curated. But unless your friends don't have filters, those are also curated conversations. We also have the issue you mentioned about fans feeling ownership which has become pretty toxic the last 15 years of so. Its behavior we seemingly only saw applied to famous musicians and actors in the past.
Keep up the great content. We may not know you, but we know your art and its good.
I will do my best to respect this video, and I admire the thought in taking a step like this.
What you do is more important than we may know. You are taking art (loosely in some cases, but still an art *form*) and analyzing it brilliantly to verbalize truths. Art is good about that, telling truths. In this age of confusion, not many are prone to see truth in art anymore, there's too much fear and hate fueling discourse atm. You are a hero of sorts to me, you turned me on to the idea of divergent analysis...a way in to the mind of humanity I hadn't considered and it's been incredibly enlightening.
I don't know that this speaks to your point very well, but then maybe it does: My appreciation for what you do is not dependent on intimacy or familiarity, it is an acknowledgement of meta-theory, let's say. It's backup to my own lone voice in the wilderness and that's priceless. It *is* like having a friend who doesn't know you exist, but the criterion for such a thing need not be personal.
Best to just leave it right where it actually is: I'm thankful for your work and that is love, joy without expectation. Metaphorically buy you a beer. Cheers!
I’m so sorry people feel the need to send terrible comments, I love your videos for being informative, genuinely thorough and concise and i, and I’m sure many other viewers, are very proud that you’re protecting your mental health which is the most important. Thank you for sharing this video and explaining your boundaries.
Being an adult in my 20s has definitely made me more aware and conscious of parasocial relationships I have with CZcamsrs I'm a big fan of. Having the balance of knowing I enjoy someone's content but also knowing I don't actually know them personally is helpful. All that being said, the fact social media, as you said, blurs these lines can be difficult to deal with for everyone. Have you seen Lindsey Ellis' video on authenticity? It really digs deep into this subject, and has so much insightful and thoughtful commentary.
This should be on any up-and-coming social media personality's watch list. Very informative.
Not much to say other than great video, so good I wanted to give it a boost 🤜🤛
People in the supermarket don't yell at you that you don't care about your customers?
Me, working a retail register and getting yelled at with this exactly thing: 🥺😭😭😭😱😱😵🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️🧏
Excellent video! One of your best. 🏆🙂👍
This is such a great video, you've inspired me to create a playlist called CZcams Authenticity. As you're the... fourth? CZcamsr I know -er, at least regularly watch that's talked about this and I think there needs to be a collection of peoples thoughts on the topic.
great video, thank you for explaining and sharing your thoughts
You've summed up what I have been trying to explain to people for a few years now about the effects social media has on people's perception of others. I've constantly seen friends of mine online post pictures of them with friends having the time of their life, but the reality couldn't be further from the truth. I myself sometimes feel guilty knowing that most of the pictures I post of myself, being a responsible and caring father figure, are posted just to show my employer/or potential employer only the positive side of me.
I definitely remember you having that conversation regarding that one subscriber on Word Funk.
....damn, Mr Thomas, what th hell's wrong w/people? No wonder i quit payin attention....thanks for sharin your perspective....you always leave me with plenty to chew on...cheers...
Jesus man, shit is dark... Anyway, love your channel, catching up on all videos, keep up de good work!
I'm sorry you have to deal with this
Profound truth. This episode resonates on so many levels but the one I'll speak on is the importance of cultivating REAL relationships. Social media has altered the context of what it means to be a friend. This a issue for people who have no regards for common courtesy. Situations spiral that wouldn't exist due to immediate consequences if interactions were in person. For individuals who have other disorders the opportunity for more dangerous scenarios are heightened. I hope people who see this gain a better perspective on how one should engage online personalities.
Very interesting!
Being real about being fake. You're awesome guy, I'm not saying that cause I know you. I'm saying that because I know you're human. And I appreciate the honest work. Keep it up
Just wow, you blew my mind again. I've been pondering over your video for the last five hours. I have a follow-up question Leon. Do people who are patrons sometimes get a strange feeling of having some kind of claim or entitlement on your work, because they are sponsoring you?
I really appreciate as a person on the autistic spectrum that a person could have such hard rules for socialization and then just state them. I feel like for neurotypicals, the rules of what is okay and not okay in social relationships is at best inferred by other neurotypicals and at worst subjective from person to person. I really resonated with what you said about compliments about your appearance, and a good rule someone gave me about complimenting someone's appearance is to compliment something that they chose for themselves, like an outfit or accessories or hair color, amd not something that they are inherently, because thats objectifying.
Dude I just recently subscribed and watched a lot of your videos, this is a very awesome video and extremely well thought out.
I think all of your videos are pretty well thought out but they also align with my beliefs, so there's that slight worry that I may be in an echo chamber, a positive one nonetheless haha. Have you been able to change some viewer's minds with your videos particularly Thanos Capitalism vid and the Greenbook racism video?
thanks for sharing, good video
This video reminded me alot of Erving goffmens theory of the presentation of the self. The whole I am who I can get you to think I am concept.
I’m liking the reboot a lot, stranger.
Can anyone tell me the piano piece playing in the background?
I really appreciate how simply and directly you dealt with this.
I’ve really liked these last 2 weird episodes
whenever I hear a youtuber say "I love you guys" I just assume they mean that they love the fact that me watching pays their bills
How well does anybody know anybody?
Thank you, this is good.
I do care for, and about, people such as yourself whose work I follow.
But we all need more and better education in our relationship with media, because it all too often turns to poison.
The concern for independent content creators' mental health is becoming a very real issue. The amount of emotional work you (plural, referencing CZcamsrs and other content creators) take on to manage your own audience is phenomenal. It might be worthwhile to begin unionization efforts, or to look into the freelancer's union. Because you deserve, most specifically, health care including mental health care. This is not a comment that should be read as, "You are crazy and need to get your head checked." Rather, I mean that you (again, plural) are under an immense burden from a lot of fronts, and likely need some assistance in coming down and developing strategies for keeping your personal life in balance. I am very sorry that the technological system that allows you to make interesting work and stimulate so many creative minds is also a pathway by which you come under personal psychological assault. My best wishes to you and your channel.
RC, I’m sorry this occurrence amounts to strange/unnerving interactions with your fans. I appreciate your content and wish I were flush enough (at all) to support. This essay is an important reminder for those that seek to escape the lives they live in a few moments of screen-time to avoid being taken advantage of by those that would (do) use this phenomenon to manipulate viewers. I hope your fans see it that way.
This is a subject I've been passively dealing with, as an audience member. I see these CZcamsrs and think how I'd like to get to know them better, to be friends. Then I remember that they have their own issues and most likely will never be friends with me. I break my own heart over this again and again. It's like seeing a trick and think it's real magic only to have the illusion revealed.
And honestly, if these moments of self-reflection keep me from becoming a creepy stalker, all the better
Good video
I like how you used Sorry to Bother You as an example. I'm surprised you didn't mention Carl Jung who wrote about the persona as if it were a mask you put on for society to see. I see you are trying to stray away from something along the lines of Jean-Paul Sartre's "Bad Faith" But the question is how authentic do you want to be? I honestly respect you as a content creator. I'm glad you're trying to become more authentic in these kinds of videos. Because within the bounds of existentialist philosophy, I do relate to you. Thank you, I wish I knew what your real name was. My name is Andrew.
I love Frank its one of my fav movie seen it in cinema yeah I try to work on distancing myself from internet personalities like if I don't know someone I just remember that I know their persona like the mask that those folks put on that helps me keep a healthy distance.
This is a very timely video for me. And I think WE ALL (especially anyone who frequently makes comments on CZcams channels that produce more "personal" content) seriously need to understand the balance of enjoying/"loving" your faves and not feeling entitled to anything from them. This happens IRL as well, but for some reason is wildly more "acceptable" online.
This is more evidence of the hot button issue of lonliness becoming more rampant. People are grasping for ANY semblance of a "connection" online yet can barely look each in the eye anymore. There's an odd co-mixture of possessiveness and detachment going on here.....and it's honestly more than a little bit disturbing. We can only hope that what we are witnessing is simply the "growing pains" stage of our ever increasingly social media driven populace. We really are going to have learn how to discipline ourselves before it gets out of hand.