YouTube: What’s the point?

It’s a Tuesday night and you are bored out of your mind. So you sit down at the computer, open your Internet browser and head over to youtube.com. Because really, what could be better than watching poor-quality videos that have been uploaded by random strangers from around the world?

Oh yeah, that’s right- about a million things.

For those who have been living under a rock for last couple of years, YouTube is a website that allows basically anyone to upload videos that can then be viewed by people around the world. The site, created in 2005 by former PayPal employees, has search engines that allow the viewer to look for videos on any subject imaginable. Well, even the unimaginable. And by signing in, viewers are able to post comments about the videos they view, mark certain videos as their favorites and even email videos to their friends.

But really, what’s the point?

Anyone who has ever spent any time searching the YouTube website can plainly see that not all posted videos are quality work. And not all posted videos are original work. Sure, there are original videos of people dancing to embarrassing songs, dogs that can make sounds that resemble human words, and even babies that have cute laughs. But couldn’t we find the same thing- in a condensed version- by watching America’s Funniest Home Videos?

And what about all the videos that are composed of less-than original material? By simply typing in the name of a favorite television show, viewers can find clips of their favorite episodes, interviews with actors and even “best-of” montages. But aren’t these clips copyrighted by the creators and networks that produce them? Sure, YouTube states that copyrighted material should not be posted, but really, other than receiving complaints by those whose product is being stolen, how can they monitor the material being uploaded and viewed? Obviously they can’t. Or they simply choose not to. But perhaps instead of watching the fuzzy frames of our favorite television characters on YouTube, we could do the legal- and ethical- thing and avoid missing our favorite programs by using a DVR. Still looking for commentaries and addition information? Buy the entire season on DVD- you’ll actually be able to see the actors and clearly understand their words. What a novel idea!

Some amateur video makers use YouTube as a place to show off their talent. And while some wannabe singers should stick to the shower, others, like Esmée Denters, have found fame- and record deals- by posting videos of themselves singing online. But is YouTube really the best way to make it big in the music or movie industry? Couldn’t a talented person make an even bigger splash and more of a reputable name for him or herself by participating on shows like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, On the Lot or America’s Next Producer?

And of course YouTube is full of countless videos of already-famous people doing stupid things. But must we reward their bad behavior by watching clips of their antics over and over again? The only thing worse than Michael Richards making racially-inappropriate comments is the fact that millions of people have repeatedly watched him do so on YouTube. And really, who has time to watch clip after clip of Paris Hilton being released from jail? Come on people, bad publicity is still publicity.

So the next time you feel yourself getting bored, go watch some paint dry. It’s just as productive as watching YouTube…