Is Youtube The Best Place For Sex Ed?

There is no denying the power and hold Youtube has over us. Created in 2005, the video hosting and sharing platform has significantly transformed how we consume many different types of media. Back in the day there were the dominant television networks. First they took a backseat to cable outlets, and now, arguably, everyone has been left in the dust by the strength of content distributed over youtube. The internet content provider features countless channels and has produced a wide variety of Youtubers who have gone on to significant degrees of fame and notoriety.

Because it is user driven, media presentation models have been wide and varied. However, the most successful versions usually appeal to the most dominant user demographic—people in their teens and 20s. You’ll find that these videos are fast-paced, feature jump-cuts pieced together from various takes and an almost staccato-like delivery. They’re not for everybody but they are very effective for many. In reality, Youtubers have created their own media style.

Space for sex ed?

One important feature of Youtube is that is has become a significant space for sex education. Normally, I wouldn’t be touting a censorship-based model, but because Youtube does not allow nudity or porn, sex educators who are talking about sex are flourishing in this virtual space. This is extremely important for young people today. For years they are turning to their devices to answer questions (who isn’t really)—especially when it comes to sex. If you are unsure about some aspect of sex, you can just Google it and then, hopefully, a good, accurate resource will turn up. And given that Google owns and operates Youtube, hopefully one of the many great sex ed videos will make their way to the searchers eye holes.

Sounds all great, right? Well, a recent article stirred a controversy around Youtuber sex ed personalities. Among some issues writer Anna Pulley brought up were the lack of credentials some of these folks have in respect to being sex educators. This is a valid point. If you look around the sex ed community, you should look into who the people are who are providing this knowledge. A great many of us, myself included, do not have a dedicated education in sex ed. Many of us, including many Youtubers come from the school of “experience.” I’m not knocking or promoting this. However, if you pursue or watch sex ed from a specific person, you need to know that person’s credentials and then decide if that person is qualified enough to teach you. Some people like to see letters after a name to denote knowledge. Others prefer lived experience.

Experts or entertainers?

And this could be the problem, ultimately, with sex education on Youtube, and it is something that is a concern in sex education in general. We see this with sex ed blogs and workshops: the market is becoming saturated with educators, of various levels of experience. With the opening up of sex ed as an opportunity, and a great one at that, many folks are jumping in to share. This is both awesome because we should be able to and accepting of people’s knowledge. But at the same time, how do we discern which folks are truly able and capable? And, most importantly, how do we ensure viewers are getting the best, the most accurate, the most compassionate and the most relevant information?

Or, is online sex ed just like sex itself: something to experience and learn from each time.