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Do Parents or Teens Dare to Enter the New World of YouTube Fan Fiction ?
“The culture of fandom is relatively new. Not being a fan of someone per se, but today it’s easier to feel connected to a celebrity or creator. Back then they were just celebrities so they may not understand how we feel as though we know them.” Helena … teen creative writer on Wattpad … connected at 12 years old.
Have you heard of Wattpad on YouTube, a special community where 13 year old teens can set up an account, write and read stories by some of their favorite stars? Does it matter if internet safety experts have concerns about X-rated, dark, violent, sexual or offensive content with recommendations “you’ll also like this.”
“Kids writing and reading: What’s not to love? Well, when it comes to fan fiction, where the possibilities are limited only by imagination, there’s a little more to the story. A good portion of the fan fiction on the internet ranges in age-appropriateness from completely mild to nearly soft-core porn. And there are no barriers to reading it. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, you’ll come across words and images that are graphic.”
Psychologists explain teens can be fixated with popular celebrities and favorite online stars; made to feel special by belonging and consuming anything and everything. This new special YouTuber hero (heroine) talks…
