A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this youtube.
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Positive Messages
a little
Most of the content is meant to be silly and funny, but Markiplier often promotes acceptance and empathy towards others. However, some jokes do include use of violent or sexual references for laughs.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Some of Markiplier's characters and alter egos are clearly negative role models, while others are more ambiguous. Markiplier's "Draw My Life" episode poignantly illustrates the way that his family and the personal challenges he experienced as a kid and 20-something brought him to where he is today. He talks about his personal work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Plus, he's made a career out of doing something he loves and is a successful businessperson because of it.
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Diverse Representations
very little
Creator Mark Fischbach (aka "Markiplier") is half Korean. There aren't many guests on his videos and when there are they aren't typically from diverse backgrounds.
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Violence & Scariness
a lot
Depictions of violence are generally shown as funny, silly, or slapstick. In one comedy video, a gun is shown shooting contestants in a game show, and it looks like a gun is "shot" directly into the camera at the viewer. Discussions of shootings and stabbings, intended to be funny. Markplier sometimes plays violent characters. Dialogue includes violent references that are intended to be humorous ("I killed Santa Claus, so no more presents for the children of the world"). Violence in the video games reviewed by Markiplier depends on the titles being reviewed. Some games he plays are graphic, showing blood, gore, dismemberment and more.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
a little
Brief mentions of sex-related topics in both comedy sketches and gameplay commentary videos. Examples: "Your cleavage doesn't impress me." "I slept with your wife." In one video, Markiplier wears a shirt with an image of objectified female legs sticking out of meat. Markiplier places images of male faces on the breasts of a woman in a painting in a video game he's reviewing. Sexy stuff in the video games reviewed by Markiplier depends on the titles being reviewed.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
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Language
a lot
Ongoing use of profanity, including "f--k," "s--t," "hell," "bitch," and more. Profanity used for humor (for example, a video of a cat with a human mouth saying, "I'm going to meow the f--k out of you").
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
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Products & Purchases
some
Buy links for the games Markiplier plays are often included, and it's likely kids will want to play whatever he's playing at the moment.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
There may be alcohol, drugs, or smoking in the video games Markiplier plays on-screen, depending on the titles being reviewed. One episode about the game Disco Discomfort includes images of hard liquor and people drinking in a club.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Markiplier is a YouTube channel featuring comedy sketches and video game commentary starring creator Mark Fischbach (aka Markiplier). Markiplier sometimes uses profanity, dark humor, and references to violence in his game commentary and sketches. Some of the video games he highlights are horror games (for example, Five Nights at Freddy's), as well as other games not intended for kids. Like many YouTube channels, content here varies widely. Depending on the episode, content in Markiplier's videos range from appropriate for middle schoolers or best for older teens and adults.
What’s It About?
MARKIPLIER's YouTube episodes usually involve a comedic skit or video game commentary. Some of the comedy videos involve other people in supporting roles (including other YouTubers, such as Jacksepticeye), as well as Markiplier creator Mark Fischbach playing other characters (including his own alter egos). Episodes run from under five minutes to more than 45 minutes long. Titles include "MARKIPLIER TV," "PREY," "The Valley of Death Little Nightmares - Part IV," "Mark Bop," "World's Hardest Game," "Markiplier Roasted by Fans," and more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of YouTube stars. How are they different from TV or movie stars? What do you like about the way they share their talents and ideas?
Why is it fun to watch other people play games? Does the person playing have to be funny?
Watch Markiplier's "Life Story" episode with your teen to learn more about Mark Fischbach, the person behind Markiplier, and how he got his start on YouTube.
