YouTuber’s as role-models : a study of the ways YouTubers influence teenagers in the UAE

Abstract EN

The aim of this research is to give an overview of the current YouTube community, including what influence YouTubers have on their teenage viewers in the UAE and to what extent this influence on their life is considered positive or negative.

YouTubers are seen as role models and are often followed by their teenage fans.

However, parents often do not know about the online behavior of their children and the YouTubers they follow.

Therefore, this study uses a qualitative study approach with a semistructured interview technique.

The sample consists of 30 teenagers based in the UAE.

The research shows that YouTube has become part of the daily life of many teenagers.

YouTubers do have influence on the behavior of teenagers, of which teenagers and their parents are unaware.

This influence might not be completely negative but the lack of awareness might be.