In an unprecedented move, the rise to fame of YouTuber and rapper KSI is now being taught in British schools as part of the A-level media studies curriculum.
The inclusion of KSI’s journey marks a new chapter in the UK education system, spotlighting the power and influence of internet personalities.
British A-level Textbook Highlights KSI’s Versatility and Impact
The discovery was made when excerpts from an A-level media textbook started making rounds on social media.
The textbook recognizes KSI’s knack for adapting to internet trends, diversifying his content, and his ability to remain relevant over time.
Published for the Eduqas exam board, one of the UK’s largest, the textbook hails KSI as a prime example of how internet influencers can create and sustain popularity.
The Media Studies Curriculum Includes KSI as a Unique Product
A media studies student shared a page from the textbook on KSI’s subreddit, triggering widespread interest within the community.
The textbook portrays KSI as “an interesting product in terms of genre,” appreciating his representation as a brand rather than being confined to a specific media genre.
It further commends KSI’s acumen in foreseeing internet trends over the past decade. The textbook challenges students to identify what makes KSI’s content uniquely “personal and authentic.”
KSI Versus Traditional Celebrities: A Shift in Fan Attraction
Highlighting the distinction between “traditional celebrities” and influencers like KSI, the textbook underscores a shift in how celebrities attract fans.
It states, “Instead of attracting fans with their beauty and luxurious lifestyles, influencers rely on two main qualities: ‘authenticity and relatability.'”
This insight into KSI’s persona and influence demonstrates a significant evolution in how celebrity and fame are perceived, marking a clear divergence from traditional norms.
KSI Responds to Being a Media Studies Subject
KSI took to Twitter to express his amazement at being incorporated into the academic curriculum, posting, “I’m legit one of the topics you have to study for A-level media in schools now.”
However, the textbook also erroneously refers to the Sidemen, a YouTube group co-founded by KSI, as a “British rap band,” a description that does not quite align with the group’s identity.
A Sign of the Times: The Influence of Internet Personalities
This development underlines the growing influence of internet celebrities like KSI, who started their careers on platforms like YouTube.
Their success stories offer invaluable lessons on the power of authenticity, relatability, and adaptation to online trends, making them worthy subjects for students of media studies.
The inclusion of KSI in the media studies curriculum signals a progressive step in education, reflecting the changing landscape of media and celebrity.
As influencers continue to shape the world of entertainment, they will likely feature more prominently in academic studies, offering insights into the ever-evolving dynamics of fame and success in the digital age.