Perceptions of YouTube's political influence

TL;DR

This study surveys 124 individuals to explore diverse perceptions of YouTube's increasing political influence, highlighting the need for further research and potential regulation due to conflicting views.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into public perceptions of YouTube's political role, an area with limited existing data and understanding.

Findings

Diverse and conflicting views on YouTube's political influence

Highlighting the need for further research and regulation

Empirical data from a survey of 124 participants

Abstract

YouTube plays an ever more important role as a political medium. Yet, the implications are to-date not well understood and difficult to analyse, since access to YouTube's statistics is limited. To address this gap, we surveyed 124 people about their views and experiences around YouTube's political influence. Our results revealed diverse, sometimes conflicting views on YouTube's growing political role, and highlight the need for more research, discussion and possibly regulation.