As an out-of-school pastime, many students watch videos or hold an account on the popular website, YouTube.
This network provides funny, useful and amusing entertainment for users and account-holders alike.
Posts cover a wide range of entertainment options, including video blogs, music videos and random viral videos.
Some of the most popular hits include “Charlie Bit My Finger,” “David After the Dentist” and “Double Rainbow.”
Freshman Tanner McKeand, a frequent user of the website, says that it appeals to many audiences and provides an opportunity to obtain recognition from the public.
“I think YouTube is really cool because of the different variety of videos,” McKeand said. “You can search just about anything. I see so many cool, creative and funny videos on YouTube. I think it’s a good way to get noticed if you have unrecognized talent.”
YouTube was invented in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim; however, in 2006 they sold it to Google for $1.65 billion. Now, the site is in the top three most visited sites on the Internet.
Many YouTube videos consist of simple everyday mistakes such as falling off chairs, which is something junior Scott Jennings enjoys.
“I think people go on YouTube to watch people do stupid stuff or mess up,” Jennings said. “You can watch music and other people trying to sing. I mostly search music videos or funny stuff like ‘Charlie the Unicorn’ and ‘David After the Dentist.'”
According to recent statistics posted on a Viral Blog article, YouTube exceeds two billion views a day and the average person spends 15 minutes a day on the site.
In addition to entertaining viewers, YouTube offers students a chance to share their cinematic work on the Internet.
Sophomore Juan Ruelas, who takes part in the Video Productions class, enjoys sharing his videos on his YouTube account.
“I post videos that I make in school and random videos I make,” Ruelas said. “I like YouTube because you can broadcast yourself and see videos posted by people around the world.”
Though YouTube has some video monitoring, freshman Viviana Hinojosa feels others should take precaution when navigating through the website.
“YouTube can be dangerous because there may be inappropriate videos that you could stumble upon,” Hinojosa said. “But it’s that way with all parts of the Internet, so you just have to be careful.”
Some students, like senior Rachel Wilhelm, search videos that serve as comic relief to turn around a tough day.
“It’s fun to know that you aren’t the only one out there that is an idiot,” Wilhelm said. “I like to go on there after a bad day and watch fun, random things which help brighten my day.”
For more information on Internet use, read the Dec. 16, 2010 article, Facebook apps engage teens.
