Unpacking media legitimacy: insights from Club Shay Shay’s viral moment

Printing press to YouTube — tracing media’s transformative path

“The printing press, the computer, and the television are not simply machines which convey information. They are metaphors through which we conceptualize reality in new ways.” — Marshall McLuhan

In the digital age, the concept of media and its legitimacy have undergone significant changes, particularly pronounced in recent decades. These shifts challenge traditional views and redefine what it means to be a source of information, truth, and influence. Where do people now turn for reliable information? This question is not just about the pursuit of factual data; it reflects a society in search of authenticity. In the past, newspapers and mass media were the go-to sources for truth, with an underlying expectation of uncovering the unvarnished reality. However, in today’s post-truth world, the quest for legitimate sources of truth continues, albeit in various new forms.

The rise of influencer culture exemplifies this shift. The story of a YouTube influencer garnering over 50 million views and being recognized as a legitimate source of information…