Abstract

YouTube apology videos from social media influencers offer a compelling perspective on personal accountability, the intricate bond between creators and viewers, and a way to take a closer look into them. This study employs the situational crisis communication theory and expands upon the trans-parasocial relationship model to elucidate how YouTubers leverage these theoretical frameworks in their apology videos. Through a qualitative thematic analysis of 30 videos spanning the last eight years on YouTube, this research seeks to identify common apology strategies, linguistic patterns, nonverbal cues, and technical aspects to uncover recurring themes and consistencies. The analysis found strong themes of SCCT within YouTube influencer apology videos, and evidence of relationship maintenance strategies from these influencers in crises

Degree

MA

College and Department

Fine Arts and Communications; Communications

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2024-04-15

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd13575

Keywords

YouTube, influencers, crisis communication, trans-parasocial relationships, relationship maintenance, apology

Language

english

Included in

Communication Commons

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