Blindness as Portrayed in Internet Videos: The Perception and the Reality
Location
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
26
Start Date
4-7-2021 1:15 PM
End Date
4-7-2021 1:30 PM
Department
Communication Studies
Abstract
This study focuses on the state of blindness as it is portrayed in widely-consumed new media, particularly YouTube videos. It uses as examples three YouTube content creators (otherwise known as YouTubers,) all of whom are blind themselves, and presents a critical study comparing each creator’s approach toward blindness. Comments posted in response to these videos are also used as a representation of how blindness is perceived by the sighted viewing public. The study concludes that, though demonstrations of alternative techniques and expressions of positive messaging about blindness help to present a more accurate portrayal of the disability to the public, ingrained negative perceptions among the average viewer still exist unless those perceptions are directly addressed and challenged. Consequently, I call upon content creators to more directly address the perceptions of their viewers as expressed in viewer comments.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Cheryl Jorgensen-Earp
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Blindness as Portrayed in Internet Videos: The Perception and the Reality
This study focuses on the state of blindness as it is portrayed in widely-consumed new media, particularly YouTube videos. It uses as examples three YouTube content creators (otherwise known as YouTubers,) all of whom are blind themselves, and presents a critical study comparing each creator’s approach toward blindness. Comments posted in response to these videos are also used as a representation of how blindness is perceived by the sighted viewing public. The study concludes that, though demonstrations of alternative techniques and expressions of positive messaging about blindness help to present a more accurate portrayal of the disability to the public, ingrained negative perceptions among the average viewer still exist unless those perceptions are directly addressed and challenged. Consequently, I call upon content creators to more directly address the perceptions of their viewers as expressed in viewer comments.