Though You Tube is a relatively new phenomenon in earth years, in internet time, it’s yesterday’s news. It started a few years ago when a couple of friends out in California launched it as a video sharing site and it caught on like wildfire. In a short time, it was bought by Google, and has become a cornerstone of the creative commons, where anyone with a free account can upload whatever videos they wish onto the site, and anyone, anywhere on the globe with internet access, can access them.
Millions of videos are uploaded each year, as numerous as the stars in the sky; and the range, quality, scope and diversity of material on You Tube are just as seemingly endless. The “most watched” videos rise to the top like cream, and are presented daily on the front page. Also, the site is interactive, allowing viewers to leave feedback. It is as eclectic as humanity itself, with themes ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, and everything in between. It is the kitchen sink, a mishmash, a conglomeration, a big stew. You will find videos as heart-stoppingly beautiful as the Chinese lantern festival, where thousands of glowing lanterns are launched into the starry night simultaneously in one glorious extravaganza, and as ridiculous as a guy dressed up in a spandex superman costume, singing the superman theme song, which my husband plays before leaving for work each morning. (What the neighbors must think….) There is, indeed, something for everyone. You can learn how to play an instrument, speak a language, or ace a job interview. MIT and Harvard have entire courses uploaded on You Tube for anyone in the world to access – the epitome of western generosity.
As with everything, You Tube has its downside. The ease of video sharing makes it all too easy to invade the privacy of others by making private moments public. Also, there have been numerous issues with copyright infringement which have had to be hammered out in the courts.
These things aside, You Tube is loud, raucous, and unrestrained. It is also elegant, sophisticated and democratic. It is our You Tube.
