Hank Green Makes the Truth Go Viral (EXTENDED VERSION)
On the Media
Deep Dive
Why did Hank Green initially start making videos on YouTube in 2007?
He was inspired by the early days of online video and the creative projects of pioneers like Ze Frank. He saw an opportunity to be part of a new media revolution and create content collaboratively with an audience.
What significant change did Hank Green notice in the internet over the years?
He realized how easily the internet could be used for harmful purposes, which he didn't foresee in the early days when it was more about excitement and creativity without clear monetization or status.
How do influencers like Dylan Page manage to capture attention on platforms like TikTok?
They use tactics like questioning why certain stories aren't being covered by mainstream media, creating confusion with unrelated visuals, and leveraging the 'David versus Goliath' trope to position themselves against established media institutions.
What does Hank Green believe is the role of legacy media in the current information landscape?
He acknowledges that someone has to do the reporting and get the truth, which is not something influencers like him are doing. He emphasizes the importance of legacy media for conducting original reporting and getting paid to do it.
How does Hank Green handle making corrections to his content?
He takes down pieces of content if they lead people to believe something untrue, even if the original statement was correct. He sees this as his responsibility to ensure his audience believes true things, and he often turns corrections into engaging content.
What challenges does Hank Green face in maintaining trust with his audience while addressing controversial topics?
He avoids certain topics to prevent alienating parts of his audience, which he feels is necessary to maintain broad trust and reach a diverse audience. He also faces the challenge of explaining complex issues without overwhelming his audience or himself.
How does Hank Green view the importance of media literacy in his content?
He believes in teaching media literacy by showing his audience how he finds good information and by correcting mistakes transparently. He aims to make people believe true things and understand the process of uncovering truth.
What advice does Hank Green give to On The Media for reaching a broader audience?
He suggests leveraging the audience's enthusiasm by having them share the show with others, emphasizing that the quality of the content is already high and just needs more visibility.
- Hank started his YouTube career in 2007.
- He was inspired by Ze Frank's interactive video projects.
- The internet's potential for both good and evil was a surprise.
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