The Government Utilizes YOUTUBE.com

The government has been devising, developing and as of September 19, distributing anti-drug promotional videos employing the popularity & free service of YouTube.com. You-Tube allows any type of video to be posted by a user signed up with the site. They also allow free access to view the videos for entertainment purposes. The company was started by two individuals in their twenties only 18 months ago, making it a young company that mainly attracts viewers who are 15-28 years old. The most popular drug related videos on the site display people using drugs, talking about drugs, and even directions on growing your own marijuana. Permitted by our right to freedom of speech, the Government has jumped on board hoping to reach a more youthful crowd with their anti-drug messages.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy is the driving force behind the messages, as they have taken over the responsibility of distribution; funding & U.S. Citizen’s tax dollars shouldn’t be an issue as the site offers this medium for video distribution, free of charge. Currently there are 12 anti-drug videos available on YouTube.com. Each displays one of the Government’s popular ploys illustrated on ads, in magazines and on the television everyday. While the videos are very high quality and the sound is impeccable, they are still competing with the vast amount of “drug” related content on the site. By using keywords such as, “drugs” “420” “marijuana” & “weed” the program hopes to reach not only those who have yet to experiment with drugs, but those who are currently using drugs.

There are mixed feelings on the potential viewer’s receptiveness to the videos, but the overall attitude is summed up by John Walters, the administration’s drug policy advisor, who believes that,

"Public institutions must adapt to meet the realities of these promising technologies."