A CONFLATION OF PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE
On YouTube, anyone can invite
strangers to see the most inti-
mate details of their life with
little consequence. A viewer can
express concern, but they cannot
act upon it outside of posting a
tweet or comment. In a second
video posted to Elle Mills’ chan-
nel describing the aftermath of
her breakdown, Mills confesses
to using YouTube as a way to be
vulnerable and get her feelings
out, without having to confront
potentially concerned friends and
family members.
For years creators have made
YouTube their personal diary but
in reality, YouTube can only serve
that purpose to a certain extent.
Our most vulnerable thoughts do
not always need as broad of an
audience as YouTube provides.
No one can deny that YouTube
is an outlet for expression, but it

VLOGS

Expressing Vulnerability on YouTube

may not always be our healthiest outlet, particularly

when the need to talk about struggles on YouTube

supersedes the need to do the same with close

friends. Expressing vulnerability online may feel

relieving at the moment a video is posted, but it is

important that we remember it is not a long term

solution to suffering.

So should we avoid opening up to our audiences

online? Not at all! When vulnerability is handled

with care, it can be incredibly rewarding. Mental ill-

ness often preys on a person’s feelings of isolation,

so when individuals learn that they are not alone,

they become more likely to seek help. YouTube

videos about mental health often play an important

role in breaking down the cycles of stigma and fos-

tering more honest and authentic communication

among viewers.

The difficult question becomes: How do we care

for ourselves and our viewers when wanting to be

publicly vulnerable?

HEALTHY VULNERABILITY

The first step, as with most things in life, is to

check in with yourself. Talking to friends, fam-

ily, or even a therapist, can help give you an idea

SHOULD

WE AVOID

OPENING

UP TO OUR

AUDIENCES

ONLINE?

NOT AT ALL!

“

Elle Mills was living the dream until constant pressure led to severe burn

out. She has since reconsidered what and how she shares online.