Short Response 8
How does Oliver distinguish the parasocial relationships between actors (or even talkshow hosts) and YouTube influencers?
In what way is a YouTubers relationship with fans more “truthful” even when it’s scripted — or even when that YouTuber uses an alias (like Oliver Thorn)?
At one point in the video, Oliver’s detective character asks him about how many takes it took him to do his emotional “Cosmonaut” video on depression (which is a great video if you’d like to check it out — just know it deals with some intense themes!).
Should the fact that it took Oliver 8 takes to get this emotionally intense “confession” right change the way a viewer perceives it? Why or why not? Did Oliver “sacrifice the truth” so that he could make a more entertaining piece?
Would you have the same reaction to a “confession” on a reality TV show (like The Bachelor) if you knew it had been scripted and retaped? Why or why not?
What do you think of Oliver’s claim that, as a YouTuber, his relationship isn’t actually parasocial but social? Unlike other art forms, Oliver reads comments, letters, and emails — and then forms his content based on that communication — which he suggests creates a unique relationship with fans. Do you agree or disagree?
Do you have any YouTuber’s (or any other media personalities such as actors, writers, podcasters, etc.) that you identify with a parasocial (or social) way? What is it about them as people or their content that makes them “genuine” or “truthful”?
