YouTube has revolutionized the way we create, consume, and share content, becoming a cornerstone of twenty-first-century participatory culture. Our project aims to explore the role of YouTube’s algorithm in new media literacies, examining how it shapes content creation and is altering the landscape of how we receive information.

By fostering a platform where anyone can be a creator, YouTube has challenged traditional media paradigms and empowered individuals to contribute to the global exchange of knowledge and ideas. However, at the end of the day, YouTube's algorithm has the power to control what is popular and successful on the platform, at the expense of its content creators.

Purpose Statement 

Our purpose is to examine the impact that YouTube's algorithm has had on participatory culture, highlighting its influence on new media literacies, such as algorithmic literacy, and the shift from passive consumption of media to active engagement. 

Problem Statement  

Despite its popularity and success as a social media platform, YouTube’s rise has also presented challenges, such as spreading misinformation, creating echo chambers, and amplifying the complexities of content moderation. When layering in the platform's monetization incentives, these challenges are amplified as creators strive to play the algorithm game in an attempt to go viral. This project seeks to address these issues, providing a comprehensive understanding of YouTube’s role in shaping modern media literacy.

Focused Inquiry 

How has YouTube contributed to the development of twenty-first-century literacies, and what are the implications of its influence on society’s consumption and production of information?

Our project will delve into these questions, offering valuable insights into the evolution of media and its effects on filtering information at the individual level in the digital age.