The Complications in Addressing Guntube

Over 2.5 billion users are known to be active on YouTube, the most popular streaming platform worldwide. Its rich content - with more than 500 hours of video uploaded every minute - includes a wide variety of videos, enough to attract users of all ages on a daily basis. One of the most popular video genres includes how-to videos, which includes reviews and tutorials on guns. 

Known as guntubers, influencers who create videos on reviewing and operating firearms are gaining popularity. Anyone, including children and teenagers, can now find videos that educate and entertain them by showing how to modify and shoot guns. Guntubing has been a topic of debate as it raises controversial questions on rights and responsibilities; as much as bearing arms and producing contents on firearms should be an individual’s freedom and right, protected by the First Amendment as well as the Second Amendment, sharing and spreading the information on firearms on a public platform poses safety of many at risk and thus, criticizes creators who do not feel obliged to prioritize public safety. The debate on the rights and responsibilities of guntubers will unlikely cease anytime soon as it questions two foundational values of our democracy. In the meantime, it is more practical and valuable to find ways to minimize potential threats and dangers of firearms by asking the corporations to perform responsible operations.