“What up everyone it’s your girl, Superwoman!” “Hi Sisters!” Recognize these iconic voices?  

Youtubers like Lily Singh or James Charles film weekly videos to entertain their audiences, however; they have been much more than internet personalities for their viewers. Now, youtubers act as a positive role model for people to identify with and learn from.

I first encountered Youtube as an awkward middle schooler attempting to become an aspiring hip hop dancer. Watching Matt Steffanina’s dance tutorials definitely got my creative juices flowing through my body as I constantly learned choreography to 2010’s pop hits. Eventually, I was able to boost my confidence enough to perform internet viral choreography by Willdabeast Adams.

Unfortunately, middle schoolers today have role models such as the iconic Logan and Jake Paul. It’s not a surprise that most of their “fans” are not appalled by the cringy diss tracks and offensive, insulting content. Although they have tarnished Youtube’s reputation, there are other youtubers who upload entertaining content and uphold Youtube’s name.

With numerous youtubers today, I am not only learning choreography to “Bodak Yellow”, but also how to do modern calligraphy and draw anime chibi characters as well. Luckily, we have access to videos that can teach us how to sing like Shakira or how to make glow-in-the-dark slime. According to Kit Smith of Brandwatch, searches of “how to” videos on Youtube are growing by 70 percent each year.

However, Youtube can teach us a lot more than just how to take the perfect selfie (it’s common sense to cover your face with the best filter). Today teachers upload youtube videos to explain directrices of a hyperbola or how to calculate an object’s rotational inertia in a five minute time span. F.Y.I. they’re extremely helpful when you fall asleep in class and do homework at three in the morning.  

If you’re not into learning about AP Physics outside of school, be like me and watch gossip and drama skits. As I scroll through my Youtube feed, I constantly see youtubers providing advice on breakups, bullying, and family issues. According to Andy Tu of Defy Media, Youtubers are much easier to relate to and provide a positive attitude to their audience.

Whether it be mukbangs or vlogs, youtubers have always found a way to communicate with their viewers. Sometimes it’s comforting to hear about someone’s regular day at work, while other times it is very amusing to hear extraordinary and hilarious stories about getting locked inside a mall store.

On the other hand, sometimes youtubers are the ones that need our help. Asian American filmmakers Wong Fu Productions (WFP) or transgender makeup artist Nikita Dragun constantly experience discrimination within social media platforms that make it more difficult for them to succeed. As this continues, it becomes tough for us to find someone to identify with.

Luckily, youtubers always have their game face on to prove to their audience how easy it can be to ignore the negativity. Currently, Nikita Dragun openly expresses her story of being transgender to encourage her viewers to be proud of their appearance, and WFP continues to thrive and hopes to break down the stereotypes of the Asian community. Day to day they are constantly receiving more subscribers and selling more merchandise, giving us the opportunity to support their career.

With today’s youtubers there is always someone there to educate or entertain us. Whether you are looking for ridiculous vine compilations or relationship advice vlogs, youtubers will be there to act as a positive example. Discarding the Paul brothers.