YouTube Stars - Are they being exploited or empowered?

I certainly believe that YouTube, the most popular video-sharing service at the moment, is a source of empowerment for ordinary people that start posting videos at a young age out of their pure interests in 'broadcasting themselves' and sharing their unique content to the public. If unexpectedly views accumulate, an excessive amount of likes are collected, and many positive comments are received, a huge rush of self-determination is experienced that will enable them to continue to represent their interests, acting on their own authority. The small percentage that become YouTube famous for the most part did not have intentions of becoming 'stars' and globally well-known. Therefore once hitting that victorious and thriving mark, they are in a state of amazement, disbelief, and shock, in which boosts their self-esteem and self-worth to continue, as a result energizing them. Dug within their videos are deep roots of themselves and their interests, and as a result they attract certain audiences that encompass similar passions; the birth of a new community is present, and with much support from YouTube, simply empowers the current 'stars'.

Despite the presence of hateful comments, there are many loved ones, which is a vital driving factor for the YouTuber to upload and continue to expand. Consequently, appreciation is shown in the eyes of the stars to their subscribers and YouTube 'family'; a strong connection is existent between the audience and the YouTuber, in which again emancipates the ordinary person behind the camera. Resultantly, tours arise, merch is created for the subscribers to purchase, and fandoms are formed. This continuously energizes the YouTuber from within and motivates them to continue their journey of success. Some YouTubers, who start a channel due to their hunger for fame and money wind up being unsuccessful as there is no connection being drawn with their audience, causing their channel to shut down with failure.

Roman Atwood, a YouTuber that creates daily vlogs, in which he records his daily life and exposes it to the YouTube world and the public to watch, communicates very much with his subscribers and brings out positivity to YouTube as a whole through his captivating talks and advice. His success was astounding; as the number of subscribers started from 10,000 and rose to 10,000,000 in a matter of years, he was very touched to see such large amount of people watching and enjoying his content. His audience is continuously expanding with no limits, which is a great source of empowerment for him and his family, and in no way shape or form he is being exploited.