What i like about these videos most (aside from the promice of gossip disguised as a higher form of entertainment or a documentary) are the questions at the end. They remind me to think about what i have just watched and not to just skip ahead. Much like the questions a therapist might ask at the end of a session to help you focus on what you've uncovered on that day.
I often feel like RUclipsrs are talking to everyone except me, like I'm somehow exempt from the general audience. Parasocial shit is weird. I love, love, love this series. Thank you Alyson!! I admire your journey.
so, a bit of a vent here, I'm an illustrator and the current state of social media is so damn demoralizing, I miss the times of chronological non-algorithm feeds... like I just wanna draw pretty pictures but all of a sudden the powers that be want everyone and their grandma's dog to be an influencer, I really don't want to plaster my face everywhere, I don't want to overshare, I don't wanna record my process and worry about my process looking good at all times so I can make a TikTok later like... I don't wanna be an influencer, I just want to draw but then everyone around you kind of judges you for not playing the game because "how else are you gonna find work?" ... I hate it here
I definitely relate to you here! I am a multimedia artist/sewist and there can be so much pressure to put yourself, your work and your process online. But editorializing yourself at all times and taking tons of pics/videos of what you do just doesn't work for everyone.
Tip from another artist. If you’re a work-for-hire artist, you only need a handful of people as your biggest fans… the people with the jobs. I know that won’t instantly solve your problems, but it’s worth focusing on as a strategy.
15:29 I absolutely feel these. It’s why in 2017 I deleted Twitter, FB and Instagram. I realized they were making me dislike myself and others, and I was doing and saying things that added stress and unnecessary difficulty to my life. It felt like they were running a highlighter over all the things I was insecure or angry about so I would stay longer and longer. It only took a few days to wean myself off, but I feel significantly happier. I mostly use RUclips nowadays, and otherwise I stay off social media apps. A lot of my friends say they wish they could do the same, and I believe they can, but it’s hard in today’s world. I lost out on keeping up with a lot of people because I left social media. It’s a sad sacrifice I’m willing to make.
Wonderful episode and it is nice to see how you use your voice as an influencer to, kind of ironically, discuss some of the pitfalls of being such. I am curious if any future episodes will go into what can happen with kid influencers when their influence dries up. One last thing I have to say is your yellow outfit gives off more April O’Neil vibes than Ronald McDonald lol
Yep! This topic has been drawn out to paint a more thorough context, but the next two episodes are around Brand Deals and Kid Influencers / Family Vloggers! 🎉🎉
Dear Mrs Alyson Stoner, Hello from Jerusalem Israel. How are you? I hope you are well. I am happy to introduce myself. I am Jonathan Trauner. I am proudly Jewish and Israeli. I graduated from Goucher College in May 2016 with my BA degree in History. I will turn 30 years old in Jerusalem Israel on May 15th 2024 next year. I daily save lives from car accidents with the Jerusalem Israel startup Mobileye. I am a real poet writer and artist. My greatest dream come true is to become the first autistic artist and poet ever to win my Emmy Grammy Oscar and Tony film awards in Los Angeles California in 2024 and to win my Royal Family knighthood honors. Looking forward hearing from you, Best Regards, Mr Jonathan Trauner Mobileye Intel Jerusalem Israel I got hit by a 90 mph moving bus in Jerusalem Israel in the area of Mobileyes main new campus on June 18th 2023. I only broke my left collarbone. I did not die. It is a miracle I survived. I finished recovering last month. SUPREMACY // I am a greatest of all time triumpher champion winner and contender and I cannot be exterminated and defeated. // I am not defined by my mistakes limitations weaknesses losses and defeats. I am unconquerable. // I am sick and tired of some human beings in the world who continue to reject bully and discriminate people. // I am sick and tired of bullies of autistic and disabled people thinking they can treat them how they want. I am enough. // I was hit by a tour bus in my hometown Jerusalem Israel on June 18th 2023. I only broke my left collarbone. I survived. // After my bus accident, I did not immediately return to stand but after my surgery, I stood up again. // Greatness excellence success victory glory redemption and prominence can only be accomplished by perseverance. // No weapons of evil hatred and discrimination can destroy me. I am indestructible in my wars. // I am not permanently meaningless worthless nothing broken and weak. My Autism is not a death sentence. // My Autism will never ever be a death sentence for me. I am inextinguishable and unbreakable. I am a all time great. Mrs Gal Gadot Varsano and Mrs Scarlett Johansson I'm ready for PRIMETIME.
This episode corresponds to what I've been thinking about recently - that social media has made a marketplace out of everyday people. Yes, of influences, but often as the everyday person promoting the brands they like onto themselves without any following or financial compensation. We aren't scrolling through our friends feed, we have become consumers to our friends. Which is scarier than being consumers to influencers
Thank you so much for including your own subtitles. It may be a tiny detail but it makes the overall (and already wonderful) experience of these videos so lovely
Caroline Easom has a series about the concept of child influerncers. It began as a skit but grew very sad and it is good, engaging commentary. It's called lil sandwich, and I really recommend it.
I appreciate how nuanced this series is, and that you’re not just discussing this issues with how things used to be and have the most direct experience with, but also current issues and how many variables are involved. You’re doing fantastic work.
I really hope you could get POC or Black influencers to speak on the podcast. I am an black creator and it’s TOUGH being on social media trying to grow etc. We don’t get the same opportunities like everyone else. It seems like we have to work 3x harder and we tend to get burned out quick
One of the statements you made that I found interesting was when you said that once you were in complete control of the production of your content on social media, you started enacting the same harmful pressures on yourself that production companies placed upon you during your journey as an actor when you were not in control. This made me think of how we all do this in some way once we enter into adulthood and are now in charge of our lives. From the way we speak to ourselves, tune into our feelings, attempt to reach our goals, and solve our problems, we may mirror the environment we grew up in and treat ourselves the same way we resented when we were not in charge in our childhoods. Great reflective content. Thanks for sharing.
I just took on the role of social media coordinator for an LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit, and already I have ideas about content tied to "digital hygiene". My partner and I are both 30, and I do feel like our particular cohort was the last to grow up not entirely engulfed in the digital world from birth. I remember the earlier days of the internet, when I was a preteen and young teen, and how there was so much more focus on staying safe: never give your full name, never show your face, never even mention your real address. Now, I feel like a lot of those common sense protections have been forgotten because people are so used to being online, and they accidentally dox themselves or reveal intimate personal details that open them up for harm. Even this comment would be considered too detailed for that early online culture because I've mentioned my age and the sort of work I do. It's not lost on me that as you're describing this shift to influencer and insatiable algorithmic monster, we still need to engage and up the metrics to get this message across. I do think you're doing phenomenal and important work with this podcast, and I hope part of your growth has been realizing the power of delegation (it sounds like it, since you mentioned hiring specialists to help you navigate being a digital denizen). Like, I'm not sure how much of "Dear Hollywood" is all Alyson, or if the content, delivery, and conversation are you, but the filming, editing, sound, wardrobe, etc. are being carried by your team (and to get clear I think those things SHOULD be, because otherwise all paths lead to burnout, and sooner rather than later). It's a fascinating conversation and one I feel honored to be a part of, even if it is in an inherently parasocial way.
It's scary too because as a parent, even taking your child to things like music classes etc, you have to really pay attention because they put in photo waivers that allow them to take photos and put your kid all over their social media. I've already had to decline about 6 of them and write No Photos on them. They never mention it either, it's just in the waiver be it digital or not.
Little me is so proud of the person you’ve grown up to become! I always knew you’d do something big. This is your purpose and your art matters! Keep it up! The world needs your voice 🫶🏼
Yes, I do feel the pressures, its complexities, all the privacy issues! It's one of my biggest insecurities: I "should" be posting my art, I "should" be posting my videos on RUclips but I also don't want to expose myself so I live in this duality of "I know I can, everybody's doing it and becoming successful but it comes at cost so maybe I shouldn't but I must if I want to be succesful". UGH
Kid actors should not be managing social media without the aid of managers and adults. As a kid, using social media was a minefield between the real and unreal, and I had NO IDEA of the impact I had on others, much less the impact others were having on me. Thinking of a kid actor full of all of these Hollywood pressures, combined with a following of other teenagers, combined with teenage lack of self-control, and it's a perfect storm for bullying and horror.
This whole journey has been illuminating. At the same time, I feel a little bad at some of my own behaviors that have maybe had an impact. Not only were you "the girl in the Missy video," but you were "the white girl in the Missy video," and I'm white too. Shoot, I don't think I started calling you by your name (still as a fan) until Cheaper By The Dozen.
As a teenager I felt a lot of these pressures. As an adult, I am able to reach into my emotional toolbox and understand not everything is what it seems
I absolutely feel these things. Constant comparison to others because of the way people depict themselves in social media as compared to reality. I have a friend where this has even caused Body Dismorphia for her because she constantly compares herself to women in social media, where they depict themselves as having the perfect body and now she is never satisfied with her body or even how her face looks without make up. Even lifestyle, always feeling like we're failing because our lifestyle doesn't seem to meet with the standards of what social media finds to be successful.
My least favorite part of these videos is that the end 😂. I now understand the binge watching culture 😁 and I’m also relieved that I got to experience it with this type of content 😅. Keep it up Alyson. I’m liking everywhere I can and telling everyone I know. This is some seriously quality stuff, top to bottom; inside and out. I feel respected as an audience 😊. Thank you
This series is just incredible. The insight and passion and truth you bring is inspiring to watch. Lots of these things have needed to be said for quite some time now and I think you're making some great change by starting the conversation. Well done, I can't wait to see more!
I've never been anything close to an influencer, just a regular person connecting with friends and family online. The pressure for likes and positive reactions really messed with my brain anyway. I've had to get off of most social media just to stay sane.
Same for me. It got to be too much pressure with FOMO and seeing everyone's highlight reels of their "perfect" life while you're still struggling with your own life. I seldom use social media, only to privately talk to family and friends on it through direct messages. It's been wonderful to have sanity, dignity and privacy without social media in my life. Private life is a happy life for me.
Loved your Kurt Schneider videos: I remember first stumbling upon those videos as a young teen, cuz I didnt recognize that you were a singer, even after seeing Camp Rock as a kid. Great video. Very insightful on the intrinsic nature of influencers. Cant wait for the next!
I sincerely look forward to each episode you put out. As someone who grew up watching you and so many others in the media as well as having a phone in my hand since I was 7 I love this dialogue. It's refreshing to hear someone discuss the negatives of something we as a society have sewn into the fabric of our lives. Being a little more mindful and aware is so powerful. Thank you for sharing this.
As someone who studied marketing and thought they were going to be "the content creator", it made me realise how toxic and claustrophobic social media can be. Thats one of the reasons why i deleted my FB, IG and Twitter.
This is SUCH an illuminating series. You didn’t have to go back and do a deep dive into media for us but you continue to show up as a light in a very dark twisted world. Thank you for being here and sharing this content with us. ❤
@Alyson Stoner I am a behavioral therapist who works with autistic teens in highschool mixed in with the general population. The influence of social media almost overwhelms me. This is my first client in Highschool. I basically go to all her classes. I am 46 almost 47 and don't have kids of my own. My students are my kids. But even MY autistic client is effected by likes on her IG. Where I limit her time on it. Since after covid teens are completely addicted and dependent on their phones. It's actually quite sad and alarming!! Love your channel and message. Never knew you as an actress since I'm a bit older than you. But I know your backstory well. As growing up in LA suburbia it's all around you. We have different experiences and opportunities than a kid from Nebraska or Rhode Island.
Hi Alyson, yes I feel so much of these things and it’s so rarely spoken about! I’ve really found myself being a production company, then analyzing my data and then updating my strategy’s and then comparing and feeling upset with my numbers. Yet so proud of myself for the work I know is meaningful and fun. So its definitely a minefield. I don’t like feeling I’m trying to compete for views or followers. Yet at the same time, I genuinely want people to listen, watch my content. Because when you’ve spent hours and hours training to be a professional at your craft. It feels so heartbreaking to not be validated with the numbers. However hearing your words does help as I know it doesn’t even get easier the higher you go. It’s a rat race whereeever you sit on the ladder. And I think nurturing ourselves and looking after our mental and emotional health is paramount in these times.
I recommend the documentary, Jawline. About teen boys who exclusively use live streaming and social media to create heart throb tours at a mall near you. Same exploitation and burnout, sad to see kids who think this is a viable option. When in reality it is volatile and won't last. We need to value education again in this country.
I was never on social media a lot, even now I've litteraly stopped posting since 3 years. I'm happy thus way because I prefer to connect with people personally and not through 'posts' and I don't feel the urge to share personal info on such a macro level. Although, there are times that I would like to be more active on social media, but don't because I don't want the judgement.
Just wanna say that you are absolutely crushing it with each entry in this series. Thank you, and I hope it's been as helpful for you as it has been for the audience!
As a novelist with a traditional publisher... same. We're not necessarily performers and most of us still have full time day jobs but being successful at all means being social media pros in addition to writing novels while working full time and having lives (kids, pets, aging parents, chores) that require our time as well. All to make, generally, less than $1000 a year.
I've been crawling slowly through rewrites on a project (in between parenting young kids), not paying a ton of attention on the business side of writing so I could focus on my work. But now that I'm getting closer to being done, I've had to start paying attention, and it's horrifying. I have spent the past decade and a half growing skills, working on projects, building up a steady chunk of material, and in that time, the business has completely upended. I always wanted to go the traditional publishing route because I'm not good at marketing, but now even traditionally published authors are expected to carry most of that load. It's actually really painful. I feel like I missed my opportunity by just being born too late.
@@lydia1634right? It used to be that publishers and record labels would do alllll that. Now they expect you to show up with an established fan base. When you shop your book, some ask you to send in a full marketing plan (those have real monetary value, btw) before they even agree to read your query letter, let alone having any kind of relationship with you. Many don’t pay advances. What exactly are they bringing to the table ?
I should falls say, my publisher does pay advances, they ask for marketing notes rather than a plan and they don’t do that until they’ve bought the book. They’ve been fine but there are definitely limits on what they can do and I put in a ton of work outside of writing.
I have to take breaks from social media for my mental health! I'm always so compelled to read comments and it's so draining and difficult to not respond to toxic people.
A creator I love name is Nickisnotgreen is going through the pressures of social media right now and letting us in on his struggles with it. He thought it could never be him, but it rushed up on him and now it’s here. So This second flow of videos you have going right now are amazing and it is such good timing. Keep it up!!!
I used to do all the things you mentioned, obsessing over metrics, curating content to be more engaging, GOD people really loved covers. I still do sometimes create content that I know will get views because of the timing, but I also have a lot of places where I share content just for the sake of it. I'm not hoping to get famous over these youtube channels or podcasts I have, in fact, if certain ones get popular, it dissuades me from continuing because then there is that algorithmic pressure to perform. I think it can be a very good tool, but I HATE that it is the norm. For more than just actors too! As a writer, most literary agents now look for a social media profile that's engaging and up to date. I remember one saying "I feel weird now if I see a writer without socials." Use it for what it is if you need it; also make sure to create stuff you enjoy, but it should NOT be the industry standard. Not sure how to stop it at this point though...
I’ve been following along each week since you started this series. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate how much you’ve thought about and researched these subjects. You are in a rare position of being the celeb/influencer AND the researcher thinking about the implications- the insight is so so valuable.
I really enjoy the delivery of your videos! Your dialogue is very well written and I truly hope you venture into writing more books, or even dabbling in audio book narration.
I left Facebook and Instagram for several reasons, including emotional attachment to engagement/lack thereof, and seeing family and friends argue/post controversial or harmful things one minute, then some positive, happy life update the next. I even started to unreasonably resent some family and friends for various reasons because of things they posted! Those two platforms weighed HEAVILY on me until I left them both, and I don't plan on ever returning to either under any circumstances. As much as I like keeping in touch with family, I like protecting my sanity even more. The algorithms simply don't push positive engagement when the majority of the people who follow you *only* interact with people by arguing online. Based on that, and on my experiences on twitter, I don't think either being an influencer, or having any social media where I'm interacting with people I know irl, could ever be my thing. Not without a lot of training. I have a lot of respect for people who can handle being influencers!
This is good information. I'm using Instagram, but it feels like my goals and Instagram's goals are at odds. I try to just not play Instagram's game, but it means I give up any perceived control. I think I'm okay with that though. I'd rather be happy, ya know?
I appreciate this series! Thank you for always choosing a mindful and compassionate lens when you tell your story and share your findings! I've been starting to look up your RUclips channel from google rather than going on RUclips itself to get some inciteful and palatable content! I definitely recognize these pressures. Though what I feel the most is the connection to capitalisms and politics for sure. I was talking with a co-work, I am 30 they are 20 (the consistency between generations I think is interesting), we both were talking about how hard it's been to be on social media especially RUclips when we get close to but especially during voting seasons. The content feed gets more and more intense and negative. Instead of it feeling like a break in the day, it's exhausting. Instead of encouraging voting and educating it gets deeply personal and promotes doom. We both see it effecting our ability to work. We're noticing more and more people coming into our shop raw and extremely vulnerable. I can't help but see the connection. Social media at it best can keep us connected, but at it's worst it can collectively sway and/or divide us every which way. Which you talked about well, the polarity of having all of societies perspectives at your fingertips and how jarring it is. The capitalisms part is painful. I know in some aspects it's a necessary evil in a capitalistic society to put bread on the table for those influencing however I've seen one to many people need to move back to parents homes because of how much influence social media has on their shopping addictions. Also, the intersection of politics and capitalism is a whole other experience of it's own that I don't even know how to articulate right now. This all being said it is absolutely felt at my level of media use as well as my more immediate communities!
It was interesting to hear you contrast being able to leave a set and forget about work for a bit vs. basically having a 24/7 job as an influencer. It reminded me of different articles I read and stories I was hearing from people earlier in the pandemic when most people had to work from home and sometimes people worked crazy hours to try to get more done or to juggle family responsibilities. I think even if we are blessed to work at a job we enjoy we still need to be able to "clock out" for our own health, both physical and mental. I've had a few kids tell me that they want to be a RUclipsr or a Twitch streamer when they grow up and I gently point out that you don't immediately start getting millions of views right away and the famous ones had to put in a lot of work first. I'll be interested to see your family vlogging episode because my sister-in-law has raised concerns about the practice for a long time so I may end up sharing it with her. I shared your previous episode with a friend who used to work in social media marketing. Also, not sure if it was intentional or not but your comment about the Tri-State Area made me smile because it reminded me of Phineas and Ferb and I remembered, "Oh, yeah, she was on that, too. She was Isabella."
I’ve been posting weekly on an account for my nail art for the past year. After about 5 months of trying to post more than once a week, I quickly realized that it was never something I would want to do professionally. The guilt I would feel when I knew I should be working on art to keep up on a posting schedule was too much for me I stopped being able to enjoy an activity that I have always loved. I took a 6 week break and am back to posting, but infrequently so that I can actually wear and enjoy the art I’ve been putting on my nails.
I adore this series and its helping me unpack my own life as a former child actor - and this one, how even as a young teenager, social media started twisting with my mind too. Its quite astute that by being our own bosses in the digital media sphere, we do risk becoming what we hate - a boss doing everything to placate an audience at expense to ourselves. Almost every creator I ever follow eventually has a heartfelt video talking about how they've compromised their vision in this way or that, and that they're burned out. On another note - How far in advance are these episodes made? Will you be able to really address any outstanding questions ppl have in next weeks video, or will that maybe be something more at the end of the whole series you'll make a Q&A? I ask because we can see you've got a preview of next weeks episode, so its doubtful leaving comments now you could actually reply to them in the next video... and given your pursuit of transparency and truth in this minefield of being an influencer, asking questions when I'm not sure they'll even be addressed feel like an insincere tactic to get engagement. Its super common online to ignore questions of course, but I just wish creators in general were more engaged with replying to questions & comments, or at least truly honest with their audiences about their commitment to that, rather than this nebulous gamble of 'if I leave a comment, maybe it will be seen' being such a motivating factor for so many commenters.
Another great presentation Ms Stoner. I agree that you are, more than many, equipped for that shift from traditional media to social media...but it can still get tough sometimes. To me, social media is quite the double edged sword: while you have more power to chart the course of your content, you may have to do several people's jobs yourself; while there is the possibility of making a lot of money, more or less, on your own terms, you're bearing the risks of essentially being self employed. My view is that unless you have EITHER that elusive entertainment "it" factor that draws in extraordinary numbers of people while looking like you're barely even trying OR you have practical content along with the great fortune of many, many people choosing to gain whatever skill/knowledge etc from you, involvement in social media is better as more hobby or interest based. If it becomes just another source of intense anxiety for you, when you fall apart, the likes and money won't matter that much anymore, anyway. Of course, I believe, at the end of the day, whatever social media path you choose, IT MUST BE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. I'm the last to run from hard work but I believe the challenges you take on should in some way SATISFY your mind and soul (and that of those who choose to follow you) even if the intent is to satisfy practical needs.
Another great episode. l do definitely feel those pressures and felt them even more as a teen in highschool when instagram was only first starting out. it does make me nervous for the younger generations that now don’t even know life without social media
I haven’t been active on Facebook since 2016, but I was unhappy using it for years before that. I now rarely post on any socials, and if I do it’s on a medium that I know few, if any, people who would see my post. I can’t handle the need for validation, the hunger for likes, knowing exactly how many of my “friends” got married or had kids before me. I compare myself to others too much already, and social media was like a clamp on my mind for years. Now that I don’t feed into it anymore, I feel free.
I appreciate your call to being intentional in questioning our relationships with social media. Several months ago I managed to quit social media entirely, it was hard and took a while but it was so worth it!! I now get to focus solely on my friends and my family and the things in my day to day that bring me joy. It’s not possible for everyone, especially those who rely on it for a career, but I recommend being intentional with how you allow social media into your personal life
Each episode this series is valuable, but this episode is the most relatable so far and because of that may hold the greatest impact! Thank you for sharing your view on this subject. Can’t wait for the next episode.
I loved that part about voluntarily pressuring one's self. I found that to be the case the first year I created my youtube channel in 2007. I felt like I had to keep creating lots of videos so that people would keep watching and subscribing. I post way less now as I focus more on writing material and performing at open mics, but in the early days, I felt I had to make a video reciting poetry, a cat video, something every day.
0:55 Speaking of Papa Jonas, Can you do an episode on the difficulty of managing normal life when in touring productions as a kid? To be extremely frank: I loved the Jonas Brothers as a kid, but now look back on their father's nonstop tour, filming, and production schedule with pain and disgust. The raw facts of how much time you all spent away from home are there for us to see, black and white. I don't pretend to know anyone related to this personally, but did anyone stand up for you guys? You could not be expected to manage yourself in that kind of environment at 14, 15. You were not safe, and it's only as I'm going back and connecting all the dots that I'm realizing how unsafe you were. Your literal blood, sweat, and tears made my childhood, 52 weeks per year, for a decade. It's a rosy nostalgia turned to slow, creeping, sickening horror.
To answer your question, yes few years ago I tried the fully gamer content creator route and found out that it wasn't healthy. I was spending each week planning what video I could get out. I discovered that theres a better way to do this. Instead of spending each week making videos, I could just make one video per month. I think one can make videos but on a more slower level. It might hurt viewers who want the content and are tired of waiting but at the end of the day it shouldn't be about the numbers but the art instead.
I am a business owner/content creator and having around 15k followers, maybe more, between all platforms. This is a microamount compared to true "influencers", celebrities, etc, but even with what exposure I DO have, I can relate deeply to what you're saying about all the direct feedback landing in your lap and how overwhelming that is. It's honestly inhuman to have to deal with what digital creators deal with. And yet, we adapt...
I think this is a very valuable video - in answer to you question. Even though I don't follow any child RUclipsrs, I still have adults I watch, and I appreciate having a deeper understanding of their life experience - the stresses inherent in this thing that's become such a big part of our lives - this RUclips or for others the TicTok or the Twitter or suchlike.
I really appreciate that these videos exist and that they are so thoughtfully created. Especially with such a relevant topic! If I may ask, though, could you maybe be just as thoughtful and careful about your subtitles? Sometimes they're cutting apart the sentences in ways they shouldn't be or they're segmented really oddly, leaving really really short subtitles. I know it's a detail to the production but it would mean a lot for people who actually use them to be able to read them comfortably.
I always look forward to these videos! So well laid out and touches on a bunch of different topics that all relate to your journey as well as so many others. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into these videos. You're absolutely amazing! ❤
i don't comment very often but i feel like the last two videos have less views but the topic of discussion is much more important, so if by leaving a comment i can help the algorithm push this video onto others, here's my grain of sand.
I am loving this series as a person that trained for mass media I think using those skills in this space is such a great thing. I hope you consider starting a membership where people can learn the skills necessary to be a healthier creator. Places like Berklee College of Music I found that my peers partied less than the other colleges. They were too busy to party as much as people at Harvard or any other school. I keep thinking there should be something like that for young creators so I have been thinking of how I could create something like that. But after seeing this i am thinking with your experience I just love learning more from you! Then in the membership you also know you are talking to people that are rooting for you. People speaking from unhealed trauma can really harm others. The larger the following the higher chance you have but it also seems like some people just have more predators after them. I wish I had mental help to deal with the ones I had to deal with. I can’t imagine how bad that gets at your size…
Hey Alyson, loved this episode. Thanks for taking the time to shed light on these subjects. One thing I would love to hear you dive deeper into regards the parental role for childhood influencers on social media. You spoke about stage parents in the industry and we heard about how social media takes traditional industry tensions to a new extreme. I am wondering how a social media parent might cause even more negative impacts on their child than a traditional stage/industry parent. Unfortunately, I can already point to so much source material on instagram to start analyzing these effects and their differences from what the industry has laid out. Some child influencers that come to mind when it comes to exploitation at the hand of adults would be lil tay, the dance moms girls, some of the singing kids getting posted on cringe accounts these days, etc! Lmk if you also thought about this direction and how parental decisions might affect these children when there isn’t an industrial precedent to follow. Thanks and best to you ❤
As always another beautifully moving episode to a series I never believed I would be this interested in. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences!
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What i like about these videos most (aside from the promice of gossip disguised as a higher form of entertainment or a documentary) are the questions at the end. They remind me to think about what i have just watched and not to just skip ahead. Much like the questions a therapist might ask at the end of a session to help you focus on what you've uncovered on that day.
I often feel like RUclipsrs are talking to everyone except me, like I'm somehow exempt from the general audience. Parasocial shit is weird. I love, love, love this series. Thank you Alyson!! I admire your journey.
so, a bit of a vent here, I'm an illustrator and the current state of social media is so damn demoralizing, I miss the times of chronological non-algorithm feeds... like I just wanna draw pretty pictures but all of a sudden the powers that be want everyone and their grandma's dog to be an influencer, I really don't want to plaster my face everywhere, I don't want to overshare, I don't wanna record my process and worry about my process looking good at all times so I can make a TikTok later like... I don't wanna be an influencer, I just want to draw but then everyone around you kind of judges you for not playing the game because "how else are you gonna find work?" ... I hate it here
I definitely relate to you here! I am a multimedia artist/sewist and there can be so much pressure to put yourself, your work and your process online. But editorializing yourself at all times and taking tons of pics/videos of what you do just doesn't work for everyone.
Tip from another artist. If you’re a work-for-hire artist, you only need a handful of people as your biggest fans… the people with the jobs. I know that won’t instantly solve your problems, but it’s worth focusing on as a strategy.
15:29 I absolutely feel these. It’s why in 2017 I deleted Twitter, FB and Instagram. I realized they were making me dislike myself and others, and I was doing and saying things that added stress and unnecessary difficulty to my life. It felt like they were running a highlighter over all the things I was insecure or angry about so I would stay longer and longer. It only took a few days to wean myself off, but I feel significantly happier. I mostly use RUclips nowadays, and otherwise I stay off social media apps. A lot of my friends say they wish they could do the same, and I believe they can, but it’s hard in today’s world. I lost out on keeping up with a lot of people because I left social media. It’s a sad sacrifice I’m willing to make.
The fact that you had experiences on both sides makes the content so rich. Thank you for providing us valuable insights, Alyson
Wonderful episode and it is nice to see how you use your voice as an influencer to, kind of ironically, discuss some of the pitfalls of being such. I am curious if any future episodes will go into what can happen with kid influencers when their influence dries up. One last thing I have to say is your yellow outfit gives off more April O’Neil vibes than Ronald McDonald lol
Yep! This topic has been drawn out to paint a more thorough context, but the next two episodes are around Brand Deals and Kid Influencers / Family Vloggers! 🎉🎉
family vloggers are the literal worst creation from social media 😭 oh those poor kids@@TheRealAlysonStoner
@@TheRealAlysonStoner nice!!!!!!
@@TheRealAlysonStoner these videos. You're so amazing! ❤
Dear Mrs Alyson Stoner,
Hello from Jerusalem Israel. How are you? I hope you are well. I am happy to introduce myself. I am Jonathan Trauner. I am proudly Jewish and Israeli. I graduated from Goucher College in May 2016 with my BA degree in History. I will turn 30 years old in Jerusalem Israel on May 15th 2024 next year. I daily save lives from car accidents with the Jerusalem Israel startup Mobileye. I am a real poet writer and artist. My greatest dream come true is to become the first autistic artist and poet ever to win my Emmy Grammy Oscar and Tony film awards in Los Angeles California in 2024 and to win my Royal Family knighthood honors.
Looking forward hearing from you,
Best Regards,
Mr Jonathan Trauner
Mobileye Intel Jerusalem Israel
I got hit by a 90 mph moving bus in Jerusalem Israel in the area of Mobileyes main new campus on June 18th 2023. I only broke my left collarbone. I did not die. It is a miracle I survived. I finished recovering last month.
SUPREMACY
//
I am a greatest of all time triumpher champion winner and contender and
I cannot be exterminated and defeated.
//
I am not defined by my mistakes limitations weaknesses losses
and defeats. I am unconquerable.
//
I am sick and tired of some human beings in the world who continue to
reject bully and discriminate people.
//
I am sick and tired of bullies of autistic and disabled people thinking they can
treat them how they want. I am enough.
//
I was hit by a tour bus in my hometown Jerusalem Israel on June 18th 2023. I
only broke my left collarbone. I survived.
//
After my bus accident, I did not immediately return to stand but
after my surgery, I stood up again.
//
Greatness excellence success victory glory redemption and prominence can
only be accomplished by perseverance.
//
No weapons of evil hatred and discrimination can destroy me.
I am indestructible in my wars.
//
I am not permanently meaningless worthless nothing broken and weak.
My Autism is not a death sentence.
//
My Autism will never ever be a death sentence for me. I am inextinguishable
and unbreakable. I am a all time great. Mrs Gal Gadot Varsano and Mrs Scarlett Johansson I'm ready for PRIMETIME.
This episode corresponds to what I've been thinking about recently - that social media has made a marketplace out of everyday people. Yes, of influences, but often as the everyday person promoting the brands they like onto themselves without any following or financial compensation.
We aren't scrolling through our friends feed, we have become consumers to our friends. Which is scarier than being consumers to influencers
Thank you so much for including your own subtitles. It may be a tiny detail but it makes the overall (and already wonderful) experience of these videos so lovely
Caroline Easom has a series about the concept of child influerncers. It began as a skit but grew very sad and it is good, engaging commentary. It's called lil sandwich, and I really recommend it.
I appreciate how nuanced this series is, and that you’re not just discussing this issues with how things used to be and have the most direct experience with, but also current issues and how many variables are involved. You’re doing fantastic work.
i'm not a former chikd star, but i am SO GLAD i didn't opt my child into the system... i was DEF pressured to...
I really hope you could get POC or Black influencers to speak on the podcast. I am an black creator and it’s TOUGH being on social media trying to grow etc. We don’t get the same opportunities like everyone else. It seems like we have to work 3x harder and we tend to get burned out quick
Facts and it's also hard to make other types of content like everyone else the stereotypical contents get more views it's discouraging.
One of the statements you made that I found interesting was when you said that once you were in complete control of the production of your content on social media, you started enacting the same harmful pressures on yourself that production companies placed upon you during your journey as an actor when you were not in control. This made me think of how we all do this in some way once we enter into adulthood and are now in charge of our lives. From the way we speak to ourselves, tune into our feelings, attempt to reach our goals, and solve our problems, we may mirror the environment we grew up in and treat ourselves the same way we resented when we were not in charge in our childhoods. Great reflective content. Thanks for sharing.
I just took on the role of social media coordinator for an LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit, and already I have ideas about content tied to "digital hygiene". My partner and I are both 30, and I do feel like our particular cohort was the last to grow up not entirely engulfed in the digital world from birth. I remember the earlier days of the internet, when I was a preteen and young teen, and how there was so much more focus on staying safe: never give your full name, never show your face, never even mention your real address.
Now, I feel like a lot of those common sense protections have been forgotten because people are so used to being online, and they accidentally dox themselves or reveal intimate personal details that open them up for harm.
Even this comment would be considered too detailed for that early online culture because I've mentioned my age and the sort of work I do.
It's not lost on me that as you're describing this shift to influencer and insatiable algorithmic monster, we still need to engage and up the metrics to get this message across. I do think you're doing phenomenal and important work with this podcast, and I hope part of your growth has been realizing the power of delegation (it sounds like it, since you mentioned hiring specialists to help you navigate being a digital denizen). Like, I'm not sure how much of "Dear Hollywood" is all Alyson, or if the content, delivery, and conversation are you, but the filming, editing, sound, wardrobe, etc. are being carried by your team (and to get clear I think those things SHOULD be, because otherwise all paths lead to burnout, and sooner rather than later). It's a fascinating conversation and one I feel honored to be a part of, even if it is in an inherently parasocial way.
It's scary too because as a parent, even taking your child to things like music classes etc, you have to really pay attention because they put in photo waivers that allow them to take photos and put your kid all over their social media. I've already had to decline about 6 of them and write No Photos on them. They never mention it either, it's just in the waiver be it digital or not.
Little me is so proud of the person you’ve grown up to become! I always knew you’d do something big. This is your purpose and your art matters! Keep it up! The world needs your voice 🫶🏼
Yes, I do feel the pressures, its complexities, all the privacy issues! It's one of my biggest insecurities: I "should" be posting my art, I "should" be posting my videos on RUclips but I also don't want to expose myself so I live in this duality of "I know I can, everybody's doing it and becoming successful but it comes at cost so maybe I shouldn't but I must if I want to be succesful". UGH
Social media is when you are at that birthday party where everyone is singing Happy birthday off key and in a different key 🤣
Kid actors should not be managing social media without the aid of managers and adults. As a kid, using social media was a minefield between the real and unreal, and I had NO IDEA of the impact I had on others, much less the impact others were having on me. Thinking of a kid actor full of all of these Hollywood pressures, combined with a following of other teenagers, combined with teenage lack of self-control, and it's a perfect storm for bullying and horror.
This whole journey has been illuminating. At the same time, I feel a little bad at some of my own behaviors that have maybe had an impact. Not only were you "the girl in the Missy video," but you were "the white girl in the Missy video," and I'm white too. Shoot, I don't think I started calling you by your name (still as a fan) until Cheaper By The Dozen.
I appreciate this reflection and understand!
As a teenager I felt a lot of these pressures. As an adult, I am able to reach into my emotional toolbox and understand not everything is what it seems
I absolutely feel these things. Constant comparison to others because of the way people depict themselves in social media as compared to reality. I have a friend where this has even caused Body Dismorphia for her because she constantly compares herself to women in social media, where they depict themselves as having the perfect body and now she is never satisfied with her body or even how her face looks without make up. Even lifestyle, always feeling like we're failing because our lifestyle doesn't seem to meet with the standards of what social media finds to be successful.
My least favorite part of these videos is that the end 😂. I now understand the binge watching culture 😁 and I’m also relieved that I got to experience it with this type of content 😅. Keep it up Alyson. I’m liking everywhere I can and telling everyone I know. This is some seriously quality stuff, top to bottom; inside and out. I feel respected as an audience 😊. Thank you
This series is just incredible. The insight and passion and truth you bring is inspiring to watch. Lots of these things have needed to be said for quite some time now and I think you're making some great change by starting the conversation. Well done, I can't wait to see more!
I've never been anything close to an influencer, just a regular person connecting with friends and family online. The pressure for likes and positive reactions really messed with my brain anyway. I've had to get off of most social media just to stay sane.
Same for me. It got to be too much pressure with FOMO and seeing everyone's highlight reels of their "perfect" life while you're still struggling with your own life. I seldom use social media, only to privately talk to family and friends on it through direct messages. It's been wonderful to have sanity, dignity and privacy without social media in my life. Private life is a happy life for me.
“Realizing u were the one that hurt urself” ok girl that cut deep 😭
miss the days when Instagram was just all about posting a picture of your salad 😄
Loved your Kurt Schneider videos: I remember first stumbling upon those videos as a young teen, cuz I didnt recognize that you were a singer, even after seeing Camp Rock as a kid.
Great video. Very insightful on the intrinsic nature of influencers. Cant wait for the next!
I deleted all social media. The human brain automatically compares and it was making me depressed.
I sincerely look forward to each episode you put out. As someone who grew up watching you and so many others in the media as well as having a phone in my hand since I was 7 I love this dialogue. It's refreshing to hear someone discuss the negatives of something we as a society have sewn into the fabric of our lives. Being a little more mindful and aware is so powerful. Thank you for sharing this.
As someone who studied marketing and thought they were going to be "the content creator", it made me realise how toxic and claustrophobic social media can be. Thats one of the reasons why i deleted my FB, IG and Twitter.
Thank you for talking about this subject and being raw!
This is SUCH an illuminating series. You didn’t have to go back and do a deep dive into media for us but you continue to show up as a light in a very dark twisted world. Thank you for being here and sharing this content with us. ❤
@Alyson Stoner I am a behavioral therapist who works with autistic teens in highschool mixed in with the general population. The influence of social media almost overwhelms me. This is my first client in Highschool. I basically go to all her classes. I am 46 almost 47 and don't have kids of my own. My students are my kids. But even MY autistic client is effected by likes on her IG. Where I limit her time on it. Since after covid teens are completely addicted and dependent on their phones. It's actually quite sad and alarming!! Love your channel and message. Never knew you as an actress since I'm a bit older than you. But I know your backstory well. As growing up in LA suburbia it's all around you. We have different experiences and opportunities than a kid from Nebraska or Rhode Island.
Hi Alyson, yes I feel so much of these things and it’s so rarely spoken about! I’ve really found myself being a production company, then analyzing my data and then updating my strategy’s and then comparing and feeling upset with my numbers. Yet so proud of myself for the work I know is meaningful and fun. So its definitely a minefield. I don’t like feeling I’m trying to compete for views or followers. Yet at the same time, I genuinely want people to listen, watch my content. Because when you’ve spent hours and hours training to be a professional at your craft. It feels so heartbreaking to not be validated with the numbers. However hearing your words does help as I know it doesn’t even get easier the higher you go. It’s a rat race whereeever you sit on the ladder. And I think nurturing ourselves and looking after our mental and emotional health is paramount in these times.
I recommend the documentary, Jawline. About teen boys who exclusively use live streaming and social media to create heart throb tours at a mall near you. Same exploitation and burnout, sad to see kids who think this is a viable option. When in reality it is volatile and won't last. We need to value education again in this country.
I was never on social media a lot, even now I've litteraly stopped posting since 3 years. I'm happy thus way because I prefer to connect with people personally and not through 'posts' and I don't feel the urge to share personal info on such a macro level. Although, there are times that I would like to be more active on social media, but don't because I don't want the judgement.
Just wanna say that you are absolutely crushing it with each entry in this series. Thank you, and I hope it's been as helpful for you as it has been for the audience!
As a novelist with a traditional publisher... same. We're not necessarily performers and most of us still have full time day jobs but being successful at all means being social media pros in addition to writing novels while working full time and having lives (kids, pets, aging parents, chores) that require our time as well. All to make, generally, less than $1000 a year.
I've been crawling slowly through rewrites on a project (in between parenting young kids), not paying a ton of attention on the business side of writing so I could focus on my work. But now that I'm getting closer to being done, I've had to start paying attention, and it's horrifying. I have spent the past decade and a half growing skills, working on projects, building up a steady chunk of material, and in that time, the business has completely upended. I always wanted to go the traditional publishing route because I'm not good at marketing, but now even traditionally published authors are expected to carry most of that load. It's actually really painful. I feel like I missed my opportunity by just being born too late.
@@lydia1634right? It used to be that publishers and record labels would do alllll that. Now they expect you to show up with an established fan base. When you shop your book, some ask you to send in a full marketing plan (those have real monetary value, btw) before they even agree to read your query letter, let alone having any kind of relationship with you. Many don’t pay advances. What exactly are they bringing to the table ?
I should falls say, my publisher does pay advances, they ask for marketing notes rather than a plan and they don’t do that until they’ve bought the book. They’ve been fine but there are definitely limits on what they can do and I put in a ton of work outside of writing.
I have to take breaks from social media for my mental health! I'm always so compelled to read comments and it's so draining and difficult to not respond to toxic people.
A creator I love name is Nickisnotgreen is going through the pressures of social media right now and letting us in on his struggles with it. He thought it could never be him, but it rushed up on him and now it’s here. So This second flow of videos you have going right now are amazing and it is such good timing. Keep it up!!!
Thank you for always trying to be a positive influence , We celebrate that growth Baby Stoner! ❤
Yes I appreciate your point of view 👽💞✨
I used to do all the things you mentioned, obsessing over metrics, curating content to be more engaging, GOD people really loved covers. I still do sometimes create content that I know will get views because of the timing, but I also have a lot of places where I share content just for the sake of it. I'm not hoping to get famous over these youtube channels or podcasts I have, in fact, if certain ones get popular, it dissuades me from continuing because then there is that algorithmic pressure to perform. I think it can be a very good tool, but I HATE that it is the norm. For more than just actors too! As a writer, most literary agents now look for a social media profile that's engaging and up to date. I remember one saying "I feel weird now if I see a writer without socials."
Use it for what it is if you need it; also make sure to create stuff you enjoy, but it should NOT be the industry standard. Not sure how to stop it at this point though...
I’ve been following along each week since you started this series. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate how much you’ve thought about and researched these subjects. You are in a rare position of being the celeb/influencer AND the researcher thinking about the implications- the insight is so so valuable.
Those pressures of comparing myself to other is what has made me shift away from social media geared to pictures
I really enjoy the delivery of your videos! Your dialogue is very well written and I truly hope you venture into writing more books, or even dabbling in audio book narration.
I left Facebook and Instagram for several reasons, including emotional attachment to engagement/lack thereof, and seeing family and friends argue/post controversial or harmful things one minute, then some positive, happy life update the next. I even started to unreasonably resent some family and friends for various reasons because of things they posted! Those two platforms weighed HEAVILY on me until I left them both, and I don't plan on ever returning to either under any circumstances. As much as I like keeping in touch with family, I like protecting my sanity even more. The algorithms simply don't push positive engagement when the majority of the people who follow you *only* interact with people by arguing online.
Based on that, and on my experiences on twitter, I don't think either being an influencer, or having any social media where I'm interacting with people I know irl, could ever be my thing. Not without a lot of training. I have a lot of respect for people who can handle being influencers!
Your podcast is one of my faves. Hearing you speak, I have learned a lot. Thank you for this
This is good information. I'm using Instagram, but it feels like my goals and Instagram's goals are at odds. I try to just not play Instagram's game, but it means I give up any perceived control. I think I'm okay with that though. I'd rather be happy, ya know?
I appreciate this series! Thank you for always choosing a mindful and compassionate lens when you tell your story and share your findings! I've been starting to look up your RUclips channel from google rather than going on RUclips itself to get some inciteful and palatable content!
I definitely recognize these pressures. Though what I feel the most is the connection to capitalisms and politics for sure. I was talking with a co-work, I am 30 they are 20 (the consistency between generations I think is interesting), we both were talking about how hard it's been to be on social media especially RUclips when we get close to but especially during voting seasons. The content feed gets more and more intense and negative. Instead of it feeling like a break in the day, it's exhausting. Instead of encouraging voting and educating it gets deeply personal and promotes doom. We both see it effecting our ability to work. We're noticing more and more people coming into our shop raw and extremely vulnerable. I can't help but see the connection. Social media at it best can keep us connected, but at it's worst it can collectively sway and/or divide us every which way. Which you talked about well, the polarity of having all of societies perspectives at your fingertips and how jarring it is. The capitalisms part is painful. I know in some aspects it's a necessary evil in a capitalistic society to put bread on the table for those influencing however I've seen one to many people need to move back to parents homes because of how much influence social media has on their shopping addictions. Also, the intersection of politics and capitalism is a whole other experience of it's own that I don't even know how to articulate right now. This all being said it is absolutely felt at my level of media use as well as my more immediate communities!
It was interesting to hear you contrast being able to leave a set and forget about work for a bit vs. basically having a 24/7 job as an influencer. It reminded me of different articles I read and stories I was hearing from people earlier in the pandemic when most people had to work from home and sometimes people worked crazy hours to try to get more done or to juggle family responsibilities. I think even if we are blessed to work at a job we enjoy we still need to be able to "clock out" for our own health, both physical and mental. I've had a few kids tell me that they want to be a RUclipsr or a Twitch streamer when they grow up and I gently point out that you don't immediately start getting millions of views right away and the famous ones had to put in a lot of work first.
I'll be interested to see your family vlogging episode because my sister-in-law has raised concerns about the practice for a long time so I may end up sharing it with her. I shared your previous episode with a friend who used to work in social media marketing.
Also, not sure if it was intentional or not but your comment about the Tri-State Area made me smile because it reminded me of Phineas and Ferb and I remembered, "Oh, yeah, she was on that, too. She was Isabella."
I’ve been posting weekly on an account for my nail art for the past year. After about 5 months of trying to post more than once a week, I quickly realized that it was never something I would want to do professionally. The guilt I would feel when I knew I should be working on art to keep up on a posting schedule was too much for me I stopped being able to enjoy an activity that I have always loved. I took a 6 week break and am back to posting, but infrequently so that I can actually wear and enjoy the art I’ve been putting on my nails.
Loving every Episode ❤ the content we need in this society✨️
I adore this series and its helping me unpack my own life as a former child actor - and this one, how even as a young teenager, social media started twisting with my mind too. Its quite astute that by being our own bosses in the digital media sphere, we do risk becoming what we hate - a boss doing everything to placate an audience at expense to ourselves. Almost every creator I ever follow eventually has a heartfelt video talking about how they've compromised their vision in this way or that, and that they're burned out.
On another note - How far in advance are these episodes made? Will you be able to really address any outstanding questions ppl have in next weeks video, or will that maybe be something more at the end of the whole series you'll make a Q&A? I ask because we can see you've got a preview of next weeks episode, so its doubtful leaving comments now you could actually reply to them in the next video... and given your pursuit of transparency and truth in this minefield of being an influencer, asking questions when I'm not sure they'll even be addressed feel like an insincere tactic to get engagement. Its super common online to ignore questions of course, but I just wish creators in general were more engaged with replying to questions & comments, or at least truly honest with their audiences about their commitment to that, rather than this nebulous gamble of 'if I leave a comment, maybe it will be seen' being such a motivating factor for so many commenters.
She can add stuff later it if she chooses right, doesn't look like the next episode is set in stone.
I have very very fond memories of following Kurt and the super pleasant surprise of seeing you there! Still some of my all time favorite music videos.
Another great presentation Ms Stoner. I agree that you are, more than many, equipped for that shift from traditional media to social media...but it can still get tough sometimes. To me, social media is quite the double edged sword: while you have more power to chart the course of your content, you may have to do several people's jobs yourself; while there is the possibility of making a lot of money, more or less, on your own terms, you're bearing the risks of essentially being self employed. My view is that unless you have EITHER that elusive entertainment "it" factor that draws in extraordinary numbers of people while looking like you're barely even trying OR you have practical content along with the great fortune of many, many people choosing to gain whatever skill/knowledge etc from you, involvement in social media is better as more hobby or interest based. If it becomes just another source of intense anxiety for you, when you fall apart, the likes and money won't matter that much anymore, anyway. Of course, I believe, at the end of the day, whatever social media path you choose, IT MUST BE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. I'm the last to run from hard work but I believe the challenges you take on should in some way SATISFY your mind and soul (and that of those who choose to follow you) even if the intent is to satisfy practical needs.
Watching Alyson Stoner episodes got it feeling like a yoga for the mind.
Another great episode. l do definitely feel those pressures and felt them even more as a teen in highschool when instagram was only first starting out. it does make me nervous for the younger generations that now don’t even know life without social media
I haven’t been active on Facebook since 2016, but I was unhappy using it for years before that. I now rarely post on any socials, and if I do it’s on a medium that I know few, if any, people who would see my post. I can’t handle the need for validation, the hunger for likes, knowing exactly how many of my “friends” got married or had kids before me. I compare myself to others too much already, and social media was like a clamp on my mind for years. Now that I don’t feed into it anymore, I feel free.
I appreciate your call to being intentional in questioning our relationships with social media. Several months ago I managed to quit social media entirely, it was hard and took a while but it was so worth it!! I now get to focus solely on my friends and my family and the things in my day to day that bring me joy. It’s not possible for everyone, especially those who rely on it for a career, but I recommend being intentional with how you allow social media into your personal life
Each episode this series is valuable, but this episode is the most relatable so far and because of that may hold the greatest impact! Thank you for sharing your view on this subject. Can’t wait for the next episode.
I loved that part about voluntarily pressuring one's self. I found that to be the case the first year I created my youtube channel in 2007. I felt like I had to keep creating lots of videos so that people would keep watching and subscribing. I post way less now as I focus more on writing material and performing at open mics, but in the early days, I felt I had to make a video reciting poetry, a cat video, something every day.
Your outfit gives a lot more uma Thurman in kill Bill than Ronald McDonald; but that's just me❤
0:55 Speaking of Papa Jonas, Can you do an episode on the difficulty of managing normal life when in touring productions as a kid? To be extremely frank: I loved the Jonas Brothers as a kid, but now look back on their father's nonstop tour, filming, and production schedule with pain and disgust. The raw facts of how much time you all spent away from home are there for us to see, black and white. I don't pretend to know anyone related to this personally, but did anyone stand up for you guys? You could not be expected to manage yourself in that kind of environment at 14, 15. You were not safe, and it's only as I'm going back and connecting all the dots that I'm realizing how unsafe you were. Your literal blood, sweat, and tears made my childhood, 52 weeks per year, for a decade. It's a rosy nostalgia turned to slow, creeping, sickening horror.
RONALD MCDONALD COULD NEVER! Excellent, as always. Thank you for educating us!
Much love Alyson. Thank you for sharing your authenticity with us!
Every episode is so amazing. Your passion and hard work is clear in these and the important conversations are fascinating. You are killing it!!
To answer your question, yes few years ago I tried the fully gamer content creator route and found out that it wasn't healthy. I was spending each week planning what video I could get out. I discovered that theres a better way to do this. Instead of spending each week making videos, I could just make one video per month. I think one can make videos but on a more slower level. It might hurt viewers who want the content and are tired of waiting but at the end of the day it shouldn't be about the numbers but the art instead.
Wishing these videos were twice as long 😭 love you and can't get enough!
I am a business owner/content creator and having around 15k followers, maybe more, between all platforms. This is a microamount compared to true "influencers", celebrities, etc, but even with what exposure I DO have, I can relate deeply to what you're saying about all the direct feedback landing in your lap and how overwhelming that is. It's honestly inhuman to have to deal with what digital creators deal with. And yet, we adapt...
Loving this series. Keep up the great work. YOU ARE ENOUGH ❤
You mentioning Kurt was so heartwarming somehow
I think this is a very valuable video - in answer to you question. Even though I don't follow any child RUclipsrs, I still have adults I watch, and I appreciate having a deeper understanding of their life experience - the stresses inherent in this thing that's become such a big part of our lives - this RUclips or for others the TicTok or the Twitter or suchlike.
this is one of my favorite parts of the week! i always listen before i go to work. 10/10 as usual
I really appreciate that these videos exist and that they are so thoughtfully created. Especially with such a relevant topic! If I may ask, though, could you maybe be just as thoughtful and careful about your subtitles? Sometimes they're cutting apart the sentences in ways they shouldn't be or they're segmented really oddly, leaving really really short subtitles. I know it's a detail to the production but it would mean a lot for people who actually use them to be able to read them comfortably.
Thank you for this video series. It has indeed been illuminating.
I always look forward to these videos! So well laid out and touches on a bunch of different topics that all relate to your journey as well as so many others. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into these videos. You're absolutely amazing! ❤
i don't comment very often but i feel like the last two videos have less views but the topic of discussion is much more important, so if by leaving a comment i can help the algorithm push this video onto others, here's my grain of sand.
Thank you! It’s the bittersweet reality of which topics get clicks versus the information we truly need! 😅
Loving this podcast! Thank you for shining light on these important topics.
I am loving this series as a person that trained for mass media I think using those skills in this space is such a great thing. I hope you consider starting a membership where people can learn the skills necessary to be a healthier creator. Places like Berklee College of Music I found that my peers partied less than the other colleges. They were too busy to party as much as people at Harvard or any other school. I keep thinking there should be something like that for young creators so I have been thinking of how I could create something like that. But after seeing this i am thinking with your experience I just love learning more from you! Then in the membership you also know you are talking to people that are rooting for you. People speaking from unhealed trauma can really harm others. The larger the following the higher chance you have but it also seems like some people just have more predators after them. I wish I had mental help to deal with the ones I had to deal with. I can’t imagine how bad that gets at your size…
Loving your podcast series!
Showed this series to my mum. Thnx Alyson
Hey Alyson, loved this episode. Thanks for taking the time to shed light on these subjects. One thing I would love to hear you dive deeper into regards the parental role for childhood influencers on social media. You spoke about stage parents in the industry and we heard about how social media takes traditional industry tensions to a new extreme. I am wondering how a social media parent might cause even more negative impacts on their child than a traditional stage/industry parent. Unfortunately, I can already point to so much source material on instagram to start analyzing these effects and their differences from what the industry has laid out. Some child influencers that come to mind when it comes to exploitation at the hand of adults would be lil tay, the dance moms girls, some of the singing kids getting posted on cringe accounts these days, etc! Lmk if you also thought about this direction and how parental decisions might affect these children when there isn’t an industrial precedent to follow. Thanks and best to you ❤
Love hearing from you!
I am loving the series!❤
How wonderful and meta is it to be watching an influencer video about influencer videos. 🧐 nice work, Stoner
This whole series is just fantastic 👏
Wow! Yes. Right on point as usual
You look just like April from TMNT series
I am really appreciating this series 🙏🏼
OH MY GOD I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS EPISODE-❤❤❤ HOLY CRAP-I WAS TREATED LIKE THIS, BUT THE EARLY ‘00s VERSION
I missed a couple. Boutta binge watch this stuffs
I’m learning so much!
Thank you for opening our eyes to all of this.
I’m proud of you for being so transparent.
Yes I am have been sooo excited for this!! I hope every child or person who want to becomes an influencer watched this!!! 🥰
As always another beautifully moving episode to a series I never believed I would be this interested in. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences!
Another fantastic episode! Looking forward to next week 😁
Great video as always ❤️
Social media is a cesspool
Absolutely beautiful! I love spending this time with you and thinking honestly about your powerful questions.
looking forward to these every friday love you!