The Power of Youtube Videos

For this post I've decided to talk about the power of funny Youtube videos. We've all seen them, and we all have that one youtube video that makes us laugh like we're seeing it for the first time. Some of my favorites are BLR's, Boys will be Girls, and (my absolute favorite) my sister's wisdom teeth video. There is something so therapeutic about laughing hysterically, especially late at night with some of my favorite people. The other night I showed my roommates a video of a slightly overweight child dancing like no one's business, and instantly we were all rolling. We always talk about how media hurts our relationships, but I can honestly say that watching that video brought us closer together. This makes me wonder, can quality time be more diverse than just sitting around a campfire or engaging in a deep conversation? Is it possible that just being with others and laughing together can have the same power to bond us together? I don't think anything can match the power of meaningful conversations, but I also believe that experiencing media with others can have a bonding impact. Not only can the media bond us in the moment, but it can continue to bond us every time that Youtube video is brought up in conversation. We will always remember when we stayed up all night watching stupid videos and how fun it was. Additionally, even talking about media can lead into more meaningful conversations. For example, last night I went ice skating with some friends and I got talking to one of the guys in our group. Our conversation started with talking about music and movies. As time went on; however, we got talking about more meaningful things that helped me to know him on a deeper level. I don't think that conversation would have happened if had we not started the conversation talking about media. In talking about media we became more comfortable talking with each other, which led us to open up about ourselves. Of course media use can be taken to the extreme, but when used in the right way and with the right people it can bring us closer together.