Being A YouTuber Is Scary.

Risks of Being a Public-Facing Creator

The presenter discusses parasocial relationships, harassment, and the pressure creators can feel to remain accessible online.

Dani / Polar Cub Leaves Twitter

Dani, known online as Polar Cub, deleted their Twitter account after finding the platform increasingly unpleasant and exhausting. In a statement shared on Discord, Dani cited parasocial interactions and inappropriate behavior, and said they wanted distance from speculation and hostile comments.

Dani also acknowledged past mistakes but said they did not believe they deserved death wishes or other abuse.

Harassment and Parasocial Boundaries

The presenter argues that creators do not consent to harassment simply by becoming well-known. Building a following can take years and may help creators find collaborators, promote their work, and earn income. As a result, leaving a platform can carry professional and financial costs.

Frequent replies to viewers can blur boundaries, leading some followers to expect personal attention or interpret ordinary interactions as a special relationship. The presenter recommends that creators avoid feeling obligated to respond to everyone or remain constantly available.

The presenter also shares their own experience of severe abuse after criticizing the Roblox game Royale High. They say they received death wishes and graphic edited images depicting harm to their pet rabbit. They blocked abusive accounts and, in one case, contacted the school of a student they believed was involved. They have also reported serious threats to police.

Harassment can affect creators with audiences of any size, though larger creators may be less likely to discuss it publicly. The presenter notes that women and creators who present as women may face particular forms of gendered abuse, while acknowledging that people of other genders can also be targeted.

Practical Advice

The presenter recommends setting boundaries, blocking or disengaging from people who make you feel unsafe, limiting identifying details shared online, and reporting credible threats. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and online behavior can have real-world consequences.

Presenters and Contributors

• Pawmi: Presenter
• Dani / Polar Cub: Creator whose statement is discussed
• Ballista: Credited with sharing screenshots of the statement