Online Arguments Emerge Surrounding Sexual Assault Claims Against Famous YouTuber

     As a long-time YouTube fan, I have seen my fair share of controversies and canceling when it comes to some of my favorite YouTubers. What I have always found most interesting about watching YouTubers get "canceled" is the massive divide it drives between an online persona's followers and foes. Over the past few weeks, this divide has grown bigger as sexual assault allegations against Vlog Squad's David Dobrik and Jason Nash came to the surface.

    The former girlfriend of Jason Nash, and internet star, Trisha Paytas has always been an advocate of uncovering the abuse and toxicity of the Vlog Squad behind closed doors. After shining light on some of the situations of her podcast "Frenemies" with H3H3's Ethan Klein, former members of the Vlog Squad started stepping forward with allegations of sexual assault, racism, and bullying. As two of the most beloved faces of YouTube, it took little to no time for Twitter wars to break out between Vlog Squad fans and advocates against sexual assault. 

With no word from David Dobrik or Jason Nash in regard to the allegations, all social media platforms started to light up. Due to the fact that there is such a divide amongst Twitter users, there are many concerns that must be addressed. The first concern I have with this online argument is that there are so many supporters of David Dobrik defending him, with some going as far as victim shaming some of the alleged victims. This poses a major point for concern because it creates a potentially unsafe online environment for victims of sexual assault or racism. Secondly, this online argument is quite concerning because it is introducing young and impressionable fans of the group to very triggering and serious topics in such a way that it might negate the seriousness of the alleged actions. Lastly, and arguably most important, this argument is concerning becuase it enables the harassment of victims who are clearly struggling enough with coming forward against such a media giant.

With these concerns in mind, I would like to propose five rules for arguing effectively online.:

1. Be wary of biased information and content. Do not use potentially fraudulent information as your basis for your argument.
2. Be respectful of opposing viewpoints.
3. Make it known that your opinion is, in fact, your opinion and not factual.
4. Provide resources to back up your argument.
5. Create a space for effective argumentation by listening to others' opinions with an open mind.