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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
The (Non)Violent World of YouTube: Content Trends in Web Video
Article first published online: 17 OCT 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2012.01675.x
© 2012 International Communication Association
Additional Information
How to Cite
Weaver, A. J., Zelenkauskaite, A. and Samson, L. (2012), The (Non)Violent World of YouTube: Content Trends in Web Video. Journal of Communication, 62: 1065–1083. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-2466.2012.01675.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 11 DEC 2012
- Article first published online: 17 OCT 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 23 JUN 2012
- Manuscript Revised: 20 JUN 2012
- Manuscript Received: 13 NOV 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
In this content analysis, we examined violence in Web-based entertainment. YouTube videos (N = 2,520) were collected in 3 different categories: most viewed, top rated, and random, with additional comparisons between amateur and professional content. Frequencies of violent acts and the context of violence (e.g., characteristics of perpetrator and victim, justification, consequences) were compared both between these categories of YouTube videos and with existing research on television violence. The results showed far less violence as a percentage of programming on YouTube than there is on television. Moreover, the violence that was present showed more realistic consequences and more negative context than television violence. Post hoc comparisons illustrated several differences in the presentation of violence between make and category of video.