Free Blog Post

The recent tragedy which took place within the Rutgers Community really questions the effects of technology on culture. During such situations it is possible to criticize and question the influence of technological advances; however it is possible to use similar mediums for good. An example of this is the “It Gets Better” video series on YouTube. The videos are messages from gay, lesbian and bisexual kids from all over the country talking to youths about dealing with bullying. The videos share a similar message, that the bullying and the teasing because of sexual identity ends and life goes on and gets better. Most speakers were bullied in high school and say once they left for college they were able to find communities and groups which supported them and their lifestyle. These videos, along with other online sites, establish communities which are specifically created to help and support people who are being taunted, bullied, or rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation. Where once a child from a small town in Kansas had to wait until maybe college or even post college to find such a community, the same child can go online and find the care and assistance they need. This online community not only provides aid to kids, but also save lives by giving people reasons to not kill themselves. The concept of community in these situations becomes completely redefined. The community a person actually lives in forces someone to want to kill themselves, while one which only exists in cyber space can convince the same child to not take their own life. This demonstrates a new phenomenon in technologically influenced cultures; the possibility to choose or create a new community without leaving home. And while these groups may only exist online they are so real and powerful they have the ability to outdo what has been done by the physical community or even family a person lives with. The message “you are not alone” connects people who once were outsides to similarly marginalized people eventually creating a virtual community filled with the love and support humans require.