YouTube's Restrictive Viewing Mode

The new restrictive viewing mode on YouTube was created for children and families to protect them from inappropriate content.  It is designed so that people under a certain age cannot access these 'inappropriate' videos, however, a lot of the content that is being restricted by this setting is LGBTQ related.

This poses a problem because the restriction of such material sends a message that LGBTQ content is not for families or children, and is something that children should not be exposed to.

 This framework of thinking is problematic in many senses but it is particularly problematic in that young Queer individuals cannot access these videos, eliminating a potential support system for them. This framework of thinking is also problematic in that it is rooted in the idea that Queer people are perverted and inappropriate, and children need to be protected from Queer YouTube content.

This outdated and harmful idea about LGBTQ people is only being encouraged with YouTube's restrictive mode, and allows for an ignorance surrounding LGBTQ people and issues.

Examples of the restrictive mode targeting LGBTQ content include people like Tyler Oakley, Rowan Ellis, Melanie Murphy, and Gigi Gorgeous.  These individuals have had videos restricted on their channel.  For example, all Melanie Murphy's videos talking about her bisexuality were restricted, Rowan Ellis has had about 40 of her videos blocked from viewing, and Tyler Oakley has even had his inspiration video titled, "8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me" restricted.  In addition, Gigi Gorgeous found that all of her videos were blocked, minus her makeup related and monthly favourite videos. These are just a few examples of the massive group of people who have had their LGBTQ content blocked by YouTube.

These restrictions can also be harmful to many YouTubers' careers.  The videos that are blocked are not considered appropriate for advertisements to be shown on.  YouTubers generate money from the ads shown before their videos, and the less ads means the less money.  About 55% of the money generated from ads goes to the content creator, and the remaining 45% goes to YouTube.  This loss of income is unsettling to YouTubers and is another reason why this new restricted viewing mode is hurting YouTubers.

These restrictions have prompted the response of many fans to create the hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty

I encourage you to consider the negative affects the restrictive YouTube mode has on both Queer youth and YouTube content creators alike.  I also encourage you support YouTubers whose content has been wrongfully blocked so that LGBTQ content and information is visible to those who want and need to access it!


Resourced used:

https://youtu.be/Zr6pS07mbJc
https://youtu.be/gmBOl3VQKDs
https://youtu.be/QBule0xJUEI
http://fortune.com/2016/09/01/youtube-advertising/