Blogpost 1: Research Style Youtube Videos (Fast fashion among other things), Kaitlyn Chambers

Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlyn Chambers, and I'm a 4th-year student currently doing a double major in Communication Studies and Philosophy:) I actually really struggled to come up with a blog post discussion for this week because for the past six months, or so I've strayed away from social media as a whole. I enjoy using certain apps for particular purposes, like posting on Instagram, but I find myself feeling a lot better when I'm spending my time doing other things in the real world. But with that said, I really love to think, and something I've grown to really like on the internet is Youtube videos that debunk or discuss specific topics. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if there's an actual name for these kinds of channels, but please let me know if someone knows! They're essentially like podcasts, but the Youtuber will gather various resources and research and then create Youtube videos discussing their chosen topics by using this research as a backup to their points. They remind me of true crime videos where someone lays out the facts and occasionally adds their opinion. I find it really interesting and very informative! I specifically like watching these channels because I feel like I'm gaining knowledge when I do, and often I learn something about society or the world that I didn't know before watching.

Two channels I've been especially loving are Mina Le's and Jordan Theresa. I have linked a video from Mina Le below for those who are interested. Each of these Youtubers makes videos discussing a wide array of things, including popular tv shows or movies, fashion trends, gentrification and fatphobia, to name a few. The video I've linked discusses the many issues with fast fashion, specifically looking at the massive uproar of the fast-fashion brand Shein. Not only does this video discuss the environmental implications of fast fashion in the long run, but it also discusses how social media apps like TikTok are damaging because they promote over-consumption and micro trends. Anyways, this is all stuff that I find very interesting and important as we are in a time where the environment is suffering and our carbon footprints matter immensely. The video is from a couple of months ago, but I thought it still fit since I've recently discovered this side of Youtube and also this video. Let me know what you think, and I would be interested to know if anyone else also enjoys these Youtubers channels!


https://youtu.be/JR3z8lq2cNM






Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2021 at 10:57 AM

    Hey Kaitlyn!

    Good for you for taking a break from social media, I've tried myself to do the same, but have been unsuccessful. Our phones in a way act as a newspapers once did. It keeps up with the latest news, drama, and well, the weather. Yet, it does become a problem when over used.

    I watched the video you attached and I really liked it. Fast fashion definitely got worse when TikTok was introduced. TikTok introduces a new trend basically every week.

    Do you believe the issue with fast fashion is becoming more well known? Or do you think it will just keep on getting worse?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kaitlyn ChambersSeptember 24, 2021 at 8:45 AM

      Hi Erin!

      Thanks so much for your insightful response! I completely understand where you're coming from with the challenges you're facing with taking a break from social media. It can be really hard at first because we feel so attached to it. And of course, there are good reasons to use social media as you listed above, but it definitely can do more harm than good. Something that I do is I just use my phone for certain purposes like the ones you listed, and I try not to fall into the trap of endless scrolling, but it can be hard at first. Once you get the hang of it and you find other ways to use your time it does become easier though! To answer your question, I'm honestly uncertain at the moment. I think it is well known to a certain extent because youtubers like Mina Le are making people aware, and other influencers are doing the same. But at the same time, because of certain social media apps like TikTok, I think it is going to be a constant issue just because as you said, TikTok is the place where trends are created and spread. Perhaps if more people on TikTok were discussing the issues of fast fashion, then it may become more well known.

      Delete
  2. Jinee LeeSeptember 23, 2021 at 10:02 AM

    Hi Kaitlyn,

    Great post! I think it's really easy nowadays to experience digital fatigue from constantly being connected to our devices. Especially since the pandemic, our school, work, and social obligations are now primarily based online. Taking a long break is sometimes needed in order to feel less clouded from staring at our screens all day.

    I also enjoy watching videos and keeping up with pages that debunk conspiracies, pop culture topics, and accepted social practices. I find it interesting how people are able to use their social media platforms in order to start critical discourse about issues that need to be changed. For example, #Landback and Stop Asian Hate are examples of social movements primarily based online using videos, Instagram, and Facebook to make their mark.

    Thank you for linking Mina Le's page I'll be sure to check it out! Discussions around fast fashion and the influence of brands like Shein and Zaful is a topic I wanted to delve deeper into.

    Jinee

    ReplyDelete

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