Resisting hyperreality? Talking to young children about YouTube and YouTube Kids

This article reports on a study investigating how 13 young children in English-speaking countries (England, Scotland, Australia and the USA) watch engage with digital content YouTube Kids. Given increasing amount of time spend viewing these platforms, related concerns around commercial algorithms that direct their choices, research aims were to understand make choices about what watch, explore extent comprehension constructed, ‘unreal’ nature characterises large proportion videos, particularly those presented by (micro-celebrities). Using child-centred methodologies, was carried out parent-researchers, findings analysed interpreted using elements Baudrillard's theory hyperreality. The found selected videos for variety reasons, including ‘real-life’ interests, largely able discern between real hyperreal drawing existing frames reference applying developing knowledge understanding world. provides insights into children’s experiences, understandings preferences Kids, extends Baudrillard’s perspectives from postmodernism post-digital conceptual realm.