Both the video and the web comic focus on mental health issues, and both creators use computers to extend the reach of their messages, albeit in different ways. The content of this teen health video focuses on the deep bond between a father and son, and both their struggles with the son's bipolar disorder. Through the medium of audio/visual the son, Aaron, narrates his own message, much like Allie, the author of the web comic Hyperbole and a Half: Depression. Allie's preferred mediums are blogging and visual art, which they use to illustrate a journey through deep depression.
Aaron's message is directed at the families of young people who are coping mental illness. Aaron emphasizes the gratitude he felt toward his father for teaching him lasting life lessons and how those lessons are an integral part of Aaron's daily life. Although this video pays special attention to Aaron's father at the end, Aaron thanks his family as a whole.
Allie, on the other hand, is speaking to other sufferers of depression, offering a glimmer of hope to those who may feel isolated and trapped within their illness. Allie's use of illustrations suggests that they are hoping to reach a younger audience, and the happy ending to the story feels encouraging and uplifting.
The two stories are similar because they both address the issue of mental health. Both stories are communicated via computer and internet and both are narrated in the first person by its creator.
Allie's story differs from Aaron's because Allie is the only character of consequence; whereas Aaron speaks fluently about his father, the father's influence on Aaron's life, and their strong bond. Another difference between the two creators is the choice of medium. Aaron chose to emphasize the bond with his dad through photographs and atmospheric music, while Allie chose a web comic depicting a nondescript individual that could represent anyone who might relate to Allie's story.
McLuhan's Theory "the medium is the message" is very relevant when analyzing these two stories. The medium of audio/visual (photographs and music) made Aaron's message very personal, allowing him to reach a wider audience while retrieving the emotion behind his story. Allie's choice of blog and comic simultaneously obsolesces the author and creates a relatable character.
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