The most rapidly growing and influential media source in our generation is not Facebook, Instagram, or even Netflix, I would say that the social media changing the world of traditional media the most is Youtube. According to socialblade.com, there are more than 2,400 channels with more than a million subscribers on Youtube today. From all of these channels, my favorite for years has been Anna Akana, a skilled sketch writer and producer, but my favorite of her videos by far are her personal advice columns in short 2-4 minute videos. her videos have challenged me to think about some personal struggles in new ways. Here are some lessons I have learned from some of her videos:
One trait that makes you a better friend
This video is naturally about friendship, and our tendency as humans to correct rather than listen. I, a talkative, opinionated, caring friend, have a real problem interrupting friends and people in general when they are talking. This video is a great reminder to listen, even if trying to fix your friends' problems comes from love.
Stop being mean to my friend!
This video is one of my favorites. Anna looks at the self-destructive tendencies she and her friends have and actively calls them out. This fun way of stopping your friends from spiraling is also a great alternative to the compliments that follow a negative statement about oneself that at the time feel disingenuous.
How to change your mindset
I think about this video a lot. In a time of decision making in my life, through senior year and freshman year of college especially, it really helped me analyze my choices. Overall the question is to do things to grow yourself and not out of fear, and this has I've learned through fun many of her videos has led me to feel more confident in my decisions.
New Years Resolutions the right way
This video is also about growth. As a successful producer, actor, and writer for her youtube channel as well as many other projects, Anna outlines her ways to improve herself every year. As the new year approaches, I encourage you to watch the video, to stay away from cyclically failing the same New Years resolutions and see your life change.
Confidence
In this viral video, Anna talks about feeling sexy. As a high-schooler and a dancer growing up, but more simply as a girl, it is hard to feel confident in your own body. Her simple reflection on herself and explanation of her confidence itself is encouraging and educational.
Dating
This video is a much more recent video, posted only in September. From her dating coach, Anna explains a key bit of advice she learned about over rationalizing whilst jumping into dating.
The Importance of creativity
This video is the reason I kept writing. She explains some information she found about creativity and the amount of good it can do for you once expressed and the amount of harm it can do to you if repressed.
How to deal with failure
Ever the relatable person, Anna In this video talks about the fear of failure.
The Question You Should Ask In A Fight
This video helped put my emotions in perspective. When I now fell upset about a person or situation, I find the source of that insecurity and can come from a more helpful perspective in any "argument."
Antidepressants
Anna Akana also taught me a lot about mental illness. In this video she explains her story on going on antidepressants and what they are like in reality. It is so very important to normalize these kinds of medications when they are vital to some people's livelihoods.
Suicide
Anna Akana is one of the strongest people on the internet. In this video she bravely tells the story of her sister's suicide and pleads with her audience to not commit suicide and seek help.
Comparison
These two recent videos explain her thoughts about jealousy and comparison. In this digital age competition is so easy, and it's important to remember that support for yourself and your friends is always important.
Is authenticity dead?
There are so many amazing videos on Anna's channel. In this one she grapples with her job as a presence online and what that means for identity.
Anna is a beautiful light who teaches me new things every week. Her confidence, honesty and work ethic is encouraging. I can't recommend her channel enough.
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