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'''Social Experiments on YouTube''' refers to a genre of content found on the video-sharing platform that aims to explore social behaviour, norms, and attitudes through staged or orchestrated scenarios. These experiments are often conducted by content creators who seek to engage viewers, prompt discussions, and raise awareness about various social issues, including [[discrimination]], [[empathy]], and [[altruism]].
	'''Social experiments on YouTube''' are staged or semi-staged videos in which creators film public reactions to a planned situation. The format is usually presented as a test of honesty, prejudice, generosity, bystander behaviour, dating norms, online safety or public trust.

==Overview==
Social Experiments on YouTube involve the creation of scenarios, often involving actors or staged situations, to observe how individuals react to specific stimuli or circumstances. These experiments may be designed to test theories, challenge stereotypes, or provoke thought about societal norms and behaviours. The genre has become popular on YouTube due to its ability to capture real-time reactions and emotions from participants and viewers.
	The term is loose. Some videos are closer to pranks or street interviews than research. Others borrow the language of psychology and sociology but do not follow formal research methods, peer review or ethics approval.

==Content==
Social Experiments on YouTube cover a wide range of topics, including:
	== Format ==
	Most YouTube social experiments are built around a simple scenario. A creator may leave a wallet in public, ask strangers for help, stage an argument, pretend to be homeless, test reactions to discrimination, or arrange a dating or loyalty scenario. The video then shows selected reactions and a conclusion from the creator.

'''Discrimination''': Some experiments focus on revealing biases and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, or appearance. For example, actors may portray characters who experience differential treatment based on their ethnicity or physical appearance.
	The format works well online because it offers immediate conflict, surprise and emotion. It also creates a clear promise for the viewer: watch what ordinary people do when they think nobody is testing them.

'''Empathy''': Other experiments aim to evoke empathy and compassion by depicting scenarios where individuals are in need or facing adversity. Viewers may be encouraged to reflect on their own responses and attitudes towards those in need.
	== Common Themes ==
	Popular subjects include:

'''Altruism''': Some experiments test the willingness of individuals to help others in distress or need. This may involve staged situations where a person pretends to be in trouble to gauge how bystanders respond.
	* honesty, such as returning money or a lost item;
	* discrimination based on race, sex, disability, religion, clothing or apparent poverty;
	* bystander intervention during bullying, harassment or intimidation;
	* child safety and online grooming warnings;
	* dating, loyalty and relationship trust;
	* generosity towards people asking for food, money or help;
	* public reactions to unusual clothing, speech or behaviour.

'''Morality and Ethics''': Experiments may explore ethical dilemmas or moral decision-making by presenting participants with challenging scenarios and observing their responses.
Videos in this genre often include commentary or analysis from the creators, as well as reactions and reflections from participants. They aim to stimulate discussion and reflection among viewers about societal norms, biases, and human behaviour.
	Some videos use actors and reveal the staging later. Others hide the amount of staging from the audience, which can make the result look more spontaneous than it really was.

==Reception==
Social Experiments on YouTube have garnered both praise and criticism:
	== Difference From Research ==
	Formal social research normally requires a defined method, consent procedures, risk assessment, review and careful reporting. YouTube videos rarely meet those standards. They are usually entertainment, activism, commentary or awareness content rather than reliable evidence about society.

'''Positive Reactions''': Many viewers appreciate the insights gained from these experiments and the opportunity to reflect on their own behaviour and attitudes. The genre is valued for its potential to raise awareness about social issues and foster empathy and understanding.
	This does not make every video worthless. A well-made video can still prompt discussion or show a useful example. The limit is that edited street footage cannot prove how most people behave, especially when the creator controls the location, cast, framing and final edit.

'''Negative Reactions''': Critics argue that some social experiments are overly sensationalised or manipulative. They express concerns about the ethical implications of staging scenarios and the potential harm to participants or viewers.
	== Ethics ==
	The main ethical issues are consent, deception and harm. A passer-by may not know they are being filmed for a public channel. A staged emergency or confrontation may frighten people, embarrass them or pressure them into acting for an audience.

==Ethical Considerations==
Creators of Social Experiments on YouTube must consider several ethical considerations:
	Creators also have to consider whether a video unfairly shames someone. A short clip can remove context, and a person who reacts badly in a confusing situation may be exposed to long-term harassment after the video is published.

'''Informed Consent''': Participants in these experiments should be fully informed about the nature of the scenario and their involvement. Creators must obtain consent from participants before filming and publishing the content.
	YouTube's harmful or dangerous content policy also matters when a scenario creates a risk of serious harm, encourages illegal behaviour or makes a person believe they are in real danger. The platform may allow some material when it has educational, documentary, scientific or artistic context, but that does not remove the need for careful judgement.

'''Deception''': Experimenters should minimise deception and ensure that the scenarios presented are truthful and respectful.
	== Reception ==
	Viewers often like the genre because it is direct and easy to understand. The best examples can highlight prejudice, encourage people to help others or start useful conversations about public behaviour.

'''Impact on Participants''': Creators must consider the potential impact of the experiment on participants, ensuring that they are not exposed to undue harm or stress.
	Criticism is also common. Viewers and commentators have accused some creators of faking reactions, exaggerating social lessons, exploiting vulnerable people or using emotional subjects for clicks. The label "social experiment" is sometimes used to make ordinary prank content sound more serious.

'''Accuracy''': The experiments should accurately reflect real-world scenarios and behaviours to provide meaningful insights.
	== See Also ==
	* [[YouTube]]
	* [[Social media]]
	* [[Prank]]

==Conclusion==
	== References ==
	* [https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801964 YouTube Help: Harmful or dangerous content policy]
	* [https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9288567 YouTube Help: Community Guidelines]
	* [https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/facpub/1487/ James Grimmelmann: The Law and Ethics of Experiments on Social Media Users]
	* [https://researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz/bitstreams/cd3e582b-2633-4127-93a6-3739450f29d5/download The Ethics of Informal Social Experiments]

Social Experiments on YouTube are a popular genre that aims to explore social behaviour and attitudes. While they have the potential to raise awareness and promote empathy, creators must consider ethical considerations and avoid sensationalising or manipulating scenarios. When conducted responsibly, social experiments can contribute to public discourse and understanding of social issues.
	[[Category:YouTube]]
	[[Category:Social media]]