Understanding YouTuber vloggers Eamon and Bec through an ethnographic lens is complicated and interesting all at the same time. I plan to unpack this media niche through the methods of observation and autoethnography. Observation can be defined as “the most pervasive and fundamental practice of all modern sciences, both natural and human. It is also among the most refined and variegated. Observation educates the senses, calibrates judgment, picks out objects of scientific inquiry, and forges thought collectives” (Flick, 2014). As for autoethnography, “autoethnography is an emerging qualitative research method that allows the author to write in a highly personalized style, drawing on his or her experience to extend understanding about a societal phenomenon” (Wall, 2006).
The first step to analyse the ethnography of Eamon and Bec is to problematise. The question my research will be based on is ‘why do people consume Eamon and Bec’s content?’. This will include me investigating:
- Who are the human and non-human actors involved in the process?
- How do they find their experience of finding and consuming the content?
I plan to use the method of observation and autoethnography by documenting the following:
Observation
- What comes up on my home feed by following them?
- Where does their comment box take me?
- Do they communicate with their fans?
Autoethnography
- Why do I consume their content?
- What is my experience finding and consuming their content?
- How do I feel when I watch them?
Each week, I plan to observe and participate in Eamon and Bec’s YouTube, Instagram and Tik Tok community to experience and observe the processes and links attached to their content. Although my main focus is YouTube, by keeping an eye on their fanbase across all social media platforms I will get a better understanding of how and why people watch their content, their experience, and the non-human and human actors involved. I will record my findings through taking notes, screenshots and tracking my processes. Usually in a situation like this, a survey might be carried out to hear other peoples experiences. However, due to the ethical framework we are working in, a survey will not be possible for this task.
I plan to do further research to justify and understand my findings and experiences. Finally, I will analyse and condense research and data I have conducted to make a specific media niche through an ethnographic lens.
Below is my research schedule. It is important to note this may change depending where the research takes me- it may open new doors to investigate. I intend to document each process.
| Week 5 | Observe what appears in my feed by following them on YouTube and Instagram community, and their fan interaction. Prepare for pitch. |
| Week 6 | Document why I consume their content. Present pitch. |
| Week 7 | Observe and document where their comment box leads me |
| Week 8 | Record the process of how I access their content and the process while consuming it |
| Week 9 | Document how I feel when I watch them. |
| Week 10 | Further research and analyse information. Link. |
| Week 11 | Further research and analyse information. Link. |
| Week 12 | Finalise and submit. |
The final result may be presented to future employees to demonstrate my skills in deeply understanding behaviour patterns and experiences of content consumers.
EDITS:
Wednesday 2nd of September, 11:50am
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