The comments of YouTube users in response to Reasons "Why We Tube" by Seiji Ikeda were interesting! Seiji found that 61% of responders said they "Tube" as a way to connect with others. It's interesting that they "connect" with others through YouTube (watching and posting videos - no direct human interaction) rather that going to a park or cafe and talking to someone and actually interacting.
Perhaps what draws people to use YouTube to connect is the ability to say what you want without interruptions. Or, as a few of those who responded brought up, you can watch someone on YouTube without worrying about any social taboos, like staring at someone for too long and creating an awkward moment. YouTube is also a unique place to go to "connect" with other people because you don't know if what someone posts is authentic or staged. I think the entertainment factor plays a large role in the reason people are so drawn to YouTube. So did "Tubing" have an impact on the language these people used? What I noticed was that the language in the posts was very casual and familiar. Even though these people had no idea who would be watching their videos almost all of them talked as if they were talking to a buddy or small group of friends. They were very informal. YouTube seemed to allow them to toss out the need to dress up what they wanted to say, they were able to just comfortably say it. I liked how straightforward they all were.
I think Seiji had the right idea, to actually use YouTube as a way to learn about it. If we want to understand a technology, or its possible implications, we need to use it!
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I agree with your opinion about You Tube videos. They create a space for anonymity and therefore people really don't have to worry about any social taboos. Even though some people don't pay attention of their language while posting a video, they still subconsciously speak the way they want the video to be understood.
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