Jokes/Memes VS Serious discussions in YouTube comments

YouTube is a place where sincere discourse and humour intertwine rather harmoniously. That is why, at least compared to other online platforms, the environment in the comments on YouTube tends to have a good mix of both these aspects of online discourse. This short survey will explore the balance of these two sides, in order to identify which is more prominent, as well as if or how it has changed.  

My name is Arnas Puidokas, and I am a second-year student of New Media Language at Kaunas University of Technology, and I am researching the prominence of sincerity in online discussions, and how it is changing. My own observations alone aren't enough, so I urge you to give your own perspective on the matter. I will greatly appreciate it, and this will only take a few minutes. 

Participating in this survey is voluntary, and your answers are strictly anonymous, so you don't need to log in or provide any personal information.  

If you have any further questions or need more information, you can write to me at [email protected]. Thanks for participating! 

Results are publicly available

Section 1: General YouTube Comment Habits

How often do you read the comments on YouTube videos?

What type of content do you primarily watch on YouTube? (Select all that apply)

Do you typically engage with comments by writing, liking or replying to them?

Section 2: Perception of Humor vs. Serious Discourse

How often do you encounter jokes or humorous comments on YouTube?

How often do you find genuine, in-depth discussions on YouTube?

When reading YouTube comments, do you prefer comments that are:

What type of comment do you typically find more engaging?

In your experience, how easy is it to distinguish between a joke and a serious comment on YouTube?

Section 3: Humour’s Role and Impact

In your experience, what is the overall balance of jokes versus genuine comments across different genres of videos?

Jokes
Genuine discussions

How often do you feel that jokes in YouTube comments derail serious conversations?

Have you ever felt that a humorous comment added value to an otherwise serious discussion?

In your opinion, how does the prevalence of jokes affect the overall quality of discourse on YouTube?