MyLifeAsEva
By Jenny Nixon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fashion and comedy vids have tons of product placement.
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MyLifeAsEva
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What’s It About?
Eva Gutowski started her MY LIFE AS EVA channel back in high school and did a lot of makeup tutorials at the time, though she admits it wasn't her first love. She soon branched out into making more comedic videos, and she shares advice with viewers on how to get through relatable situations such as the first day of school, how to pack for a vacation, or what to wear on a first date. There's a lot of shopping-related content as well, where Eva shows off her favorite home and fashion finds. Now in her early 20s, her subject matter has stayed more or less the same, but there are a lot more videos that are essentially just advertisements for Eva-centric products such as her autobiography and her clothing line. She does get a bit more "real" from time to time, however, and has filmed videos where she talks about being sexually assaulted as a youth, which may be helpful for others struggling with similar issues.
Is It Any Good?
Eva's strengths as a YouTube personality are that she's productive and consistent -- she's been pumping out videos since 2012, and her audience has continued to grow. She has a confident screen presence and happy-go-lucky vibe, but when the focus of a channel is primarily one's self, the content is bound to get a tad repetitive. She's made at least 15 videos discussing her getting-ready routines ("My Night Routine", "FALL Morning Routine," and so on), and each iteration seems a bit more monotonous. It's nice when she mixes things up with videos where she's doing something productive, like showing viewers how she customizes her clothing and accessories, or how she makes her room look like a Pinterest board come to life using affordable DIY hacks. It's worth noting that as Eva's social media star has risen, her videos have become more commercialized than ever. Obviously the gal has things she needs to promote -- a book and a clothing line, primarily -- but the shilling can get a little relentless at times. Fans seem to eat this up, though, loving the chance to "own" a piece of Eva. She's not afraid to act like a goofball, which can be endearing and makes her seem relatable, but as time has gone on, her videos also feature way more footage of her clad in bikinis. One area that may be of some concern to parents are the videos Eva makes relating to health and fitness. She has no medical background, and there are no warnings in place advising viewers to check with their doctor before undertaking any eating or exercise plan, so it's worrisome to think that dedicated followers may end up taking her tips for a "Spring Break Bikini Body" or "5 Ways to Lose Weight FAST!" as gospel. There's nothing wrong with sharing a workout routine, but it's problematic to assume these tips are appropriate for everyone, or to repeatedly equate weight loss with health. There's also an enormous amount of consumerism on display, with videos prominently and repeatedly referring to Eva's favorite stores and brands. Eva and friends sometimes open and play with brand-new children's toys and clothing -- there are videos showing Eva and her boyfriend trying to fit into comically small infant-sized clothing, for instance -- with no mention of what happens to all this stuff after the scenes are filmed. It's all meant in good fun, but the conspicuous consumption can come off as vapid and wasteful when no context is given.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their favorite YouTube personalities and channels, and what they like about them.
For kids: Would you ever want to make your own YouTube channel? What would the focus be? What would it be like growing up with an audience watching you?
YouTube Details
- Genre: Lifestyle
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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