Why YouTube Keeps Showing You Self-Help Videos

In this episode, we explore the fascinating rise of the multi-billion dollar self-help industry. From its origins with figures like Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale, through the counterculture of Alan Watts and Terence McKenna, to today's influencer-driven landscape, the evolution of self-help has been shaped by social, economic, and philosophical forces.

We delve into the role of modern self-help influencers like Jordan Peterson, Andrew Tate, and Girl Defined, examining the mix of personal development, polarizing views, and identity politics. The decentralization of media via platforms like YouTube has allowed these gurus to thrive, often blending psychology, self-reliance, and sometimes controversial ideologies.

However, the self-help space isn't without its flaws. From clickbait headlines to questionable promises, some exploit audience vulnerabilities for profit. Yet, positive examples like "Dad, how do I?" and The Financial Diet show a more grounded approach, offering practical skills and empowerment.

We also touch on how a general decline in trust, especially among young people, has contributed to the rise of alternative voices in the self-help space. With algorithms rewarding sensationalism, it's essential to approach self-help critically, seeking advice that truly empowers and avoids the traps of quick-fix solutions.

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SOURCES:
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-rea...

https://www.economist.com/internation...
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Mikkelsen, S., & Kornfield, S. (2021). Girls Gone Fundamentalist: Feminine Appeals of White Christian Nationalism. Women’s Studies in Communication, 44(4), 563–585. https://doi.org/10.1080/07491409.2021...


Carnegie, D. (2009). How to win friends and influence people. New York: Simon and Schuster.