I’m always trying to stay on top of the latest trends and influences in my children’s lives. It’s impossible. Recently though, I noticed my kids constantly chattering about someone called “Mr Beast”. I’ll admit, I was clueless at first.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to do some digging. What I discovered left me astounded. Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr Beast, isn’t just another YouTuber – he’s a bona fide internet phenomenon with an eye-watering follower count in the hundreds of millions. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly the world changes and how easy it is for us parents to fall behind.
After researching the world of Mr Beast, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings. On one hand, I was impressed by his philanthropic efforts and the positive messages in some of his videos. On the other, I couldn’t help but wonder about the potential downsides of his content. Was it truly appropriate for my children?
Who is Mr Beast?
When I first heard the name “Mr Beast”, it sounded more like a cartoon character than a real person. But as I soon discovered, Jimmy Donaldson, the man behind the moniker, is very real indeed – and a force to be reckoned with in the digital world.
Mr Beast’s journey began in 2012 when he started uploading videos to YouTube as a young teenager. However, it wasn’t until around 2017 that his channel really took off. What caught my eye was the sheer scale and ambition of his videos. We’re not talking about simple vlogs or gaming videos here – Mr Beast specialises in elaborate stunts, challenges, and giveaways that often involve eye-watering sums of money.
The Numbers
The numbers associated with Mr Beast’s success left me gobsmacked. We’re talking about a chap who has amassed over 350 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel alone. To put that into perspective, that’s around 5x the entire population of the United Kingdom! It’s no wonder my kids, along with millions of others, are so captivated.
What sets Mr Beast apart, I’ve found, is the sheer audacity of his content. From burying himself alive for 50 hours to giving away a private island, his videos are designed to grab attention and keep viewers glued to their screens. It’s a formula that’s clearly working, with each video racking up tens of millions of views.
Why His Content Works
One of the main draws of Mr Beast’s content is the high-stakes nature of his challenges. Whether it’s last to leave a circle wins £500,000 or surviving in the wilderness for days, these videos tap into our innate love of competition and suspense. I found myself getting caught up in the drama, even as an adult.
What impressed me most about Mr Beast though, was his commitment to using his platform for good. Many of his videos involve giving away large sums of money to individuals or charitable causes. From building wells in Africa, curing blindness in 1,000 people, and supporting local communities, there’s a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
I couldn’t help but be impressed by the production quality of Mr Beast’s videos too. The cinematography, editing, and overall presentation are on par with professional TV shows. It’s clear that a lot of time, effort, and money goes into creating each video.
Potential Concerns for Parents
While there’s much to admire about Mr Beast’s content, as a parent, I couldn’t help but have some reservations:
Materialism and Money Fixation
Many of Mr Beast’s videos revolve around large sums of money, whether it’s giving it away or using it for extravagant stunts. I worry that this could build an unhealthy fixation on wealth and material possessions in young viewers.
Risk-Taking Behaviour
Some of the challenges in Mr Beast’s videos involve potentially dangerous situations. While they’re carried out with safety measures in place, I’m concerned that impressionable viewers might attempt to recreate these stunts without proper precautions.
Competitive Nature
The competitive element in many videos, while exciting, could potentially promote a win-at-all-costs mentality. I want to ensure my children understand the importance of good sportsmanship and that winning isn’t everything. To be fair, many of the videos feature this behaviour too, but when the stakes are so high some people do not behave well.
Ad Exposure
Like many YouTubers, Mr Beast’s videos contain product placements and advertisements. I feel it’s important to help my children recognise when they’re being marketed to, even in entertainment content.
Age Appropriateness of Mr Beast’s Content
You can probably sense that I’m not against my kids watching Mr Beast, but you might be wondering at what age is this content truly appropriate? It’s a tricky question, as every child matures at a different rate, and what’s suitable for one might not be for another.
From what I’ve gathered, most online resources suggest that Mr Beast’s content is generally suitable for teenagers, typically those 13 and above. However, I’ve found that some of his earlier videos might contain language or themes more appropriate for older teens. Appropriateness can vary significantly from video to video. Some of his philanthropic videos or lighter challenges might be suitable for even younger viewers, while others involving more intense competitions or stunts might require a more mature audience.
Ultimately, I’ve concluded that parental guidance is adviseable when it comes to Mr Beast’s content. As a parent, I feel it’s important to watch some videos together with my children, discuss the content, and use it as a teaching opportunity. Don’t watch it unless I’m in the room, that’s my rule.
The Impact on Youth Culture
As I’ve explored the world of Mr Beast, I’ve been struck by the significant impact he’s had on youth culture. It’s fascinating to see how one content creator can shape trends and influence millions of young people worldwide. He comes across as a good guy who is genuinely trying to good in the world.
One positive aspect I’ve noticed is how Mr Beast’s success story has inspired many young people to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. His journey from a small-time YouTuber to a major influencer and businessman serves as a powerful example of what’s possible and it resonates with teens.
Mr Beast’s approach to philanthropy has made giving back ‘cool’ in the eyes of many young people too. I’ve observed how his videos have sparked conversations among my own children about how they can make a positive impact in their community.
Influencing Consumer Behaviour
With his massive following, Mr Beast has significant sway over youth consumer trends. From his own merchandise and Mr Beast Burger food chain, to the products he features in his videos, his influence on what young people buy is undeniable. This is something I am a little wary of.
As a parent, this makes me even more aware of the importance of teaching critical thinking when it comes to advertising and influencer marketing. I want my kids to spend their money wisely, not just because someone on the internet told them to.
My Verdict on Mr Beast
After spending time watching Mr Beast’s videos and reading about him, I’ve come to a nuanced conclusion. There’s no denying the entertainment value and positive aspects of his content, particularly his philanthropic efforts. His videos can be exciting, inspiring, and even educational when viewed with a critical eye.
However, as a parent, I believe it’s crucial to approach this content with caution and guidance. The high-stakes nature of many videos, the focus on large sums of money, and the potential for risk-taking behaviour are all aspects that require parental involvement.
Ultimately, I’ve decided that Mr Beast’s content can have a place in my children’s media diet, but with 2 important caveats:
- We watch selected videos together, allowing for discussion and context.
- We balance Mr Beast’s content with other educational and diverse content.
As with all media consumption in the digital age, the key lies in active parenting, communication, and encouraging critical thinking skills in our children.
Remember though, every family is different, and what works for us might not work for you. The most important thing is to stay engaged with your children’s online activities and make informed decisions based on your family’s values and circumstances.