Educational Stories on YouTube As Digital Folklore: The Creation and Functions

Abstract

Educational stories on YouTube can be construed as a new form of folklore on the internet, sometimes referred to by folklorists as “Digital Folklore” (Bronner, 2009; Seta, 2019; Tolbert & Johnson, 2019). These narratives demonstrate the connection between folklore and the modern lifestyles of internet users or Generation C. This research aims to analyze the content and important concepts of the creation and functions of educational stories on YouTube. The analytical study reveals that a key characteristic of these narratives is their focus on equipping individuals with modern skills, such as EF skills, life skills, and financial literacy—essential skills for navigating contemporary society. They offer guidance and encouragement for navigating modern life. The creation of these narratives involves adapting old folktales which are presented in new forms such as fairy tale songs and generating new stories related to modern lifestyles. The roles of these narratives include: 1) teaching modern life lessons and essential skills; 2) providing encouragement; 3) offering entertainment; and 4) fostering interaction within the digital platform of Generation C. Examining educational stories on online platforms like YouTube offers a valuable approach to researching new forms of internet folklore.