Citation

Muller A. Journal of Media Practice 2012; 12(3): 269-277.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012)

DOI

10.1386/jmpr.12.3.269_1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article explores the founding of the You Tube-based 'It Gets Better' project as an online community and the project's influence in effecting real-world change. The It Gets Better project is a You Tube-based initiative that seeks to offer support for troubled LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer) youth who may be contemplating suicide. It was created by American columnist Dan Savage and his partner Terry following a number of youth suicides that had resulted from bullying in 2010. The article situates the virtual initiative within the traditional definitions of community, and individual engagement is investigated by way of online and real-world ramifications. Finally the project's aim is problematized through analysis of the aesthetics, structure and reception of, and social discourse surrounding, the original video posting. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language: en

Keywords

Bullying; Dan Savage; It Gets Better; Lgbtq; Online community; Virtual engagement