The Reply Girl. (Bullied)
The first time I saw the darkside of YouTube was the mass hatening of Rebecca Black. I felt bad for her, because she didn't deserve it. She had done nothing wrong, she had not offended anyone. Rebecca was just a kid, who made a video. That video lead to the most public, and vocal internet bullying I ever witnessed.
Just because the forum has changed from the playground to the comment section I don't think that the emotional effects are all that diminished. I can only imagine what it's like to have pages, upon pages, of strangers each independent of the other wish me ill will, or that I would die. I personally get excited when I receive any comment. I'm not saying my videos haven't received there fair share of criticism, but it's crazy to see that you have a dislike dark-side light saber beneath your video.
This brings me to TheReplyGirl.
I watch Alejandra's videos, and I feel as if at any moment she's going to burst into tears, and while everyone else screams in caps "stupid bitch", I just feel bad for her. She found a chink in the algorithmic armor of YouTube, and she used it to get herself some exposure. I can't say I would have done anything differently if I were in her shoes, for the 2yrs I've been making creative videos I've barely broken 200 subscribers. I'm not sure what's worse being hated, and living in infamy, or barely existing on anyone's radar?
The YouTube community comes out in droves when it's time to hate. It's an ignorance that isn't unique to YouTube, but is amplified on YouTube. I can only imagine how it must feel to be embarrassed day after day upon the worlds stage. When you make a video you really put yourself out on the line. People see your face, hear your voice, and become familiar with your settings. They have a part of you, and the risk of them having that part is simple. As quickly as the YouTube community can build you up, and create this global, and fanatical love ala Justin Beiber, they can tear you down ala Rebecca Black, and now TheReplyGirls.
On the other hand it has to be said that Alejandra's videos are very simple, and they literally are riding on the backs of other popular more entertaining pieces. If Alejandra's work was more creative in nature, provided an insight, or in some way shape or form enhanced, or had some transformative value she would be celebrated! Lets face it, she's essentially doing what we are all doing on YouTube, turning on a camera, and speaking into it.
Very early on in life I was bullied. In fact things didn't get better for me until Highschool, but I will always remember what that was like. How powerless, and low it could make you feel. Especially when you're bullied by a large group. So Alejandra if you ever do read this, you have my sympathy. My videos looked almost exactly like yours, but because I had no audience I could grow, and refine my craft at my own speed. I hope that you become a better content maker, and one day that mass hate turns into love.
Cheers and ReplyGirl Teddy Bears.
