BY: JOCELYN SCHWALM
A new YouTube series called The Skin Deep is an interactive documentary series that probes into what it is that makes relationships work in a digital age.The Skin Deep producers provide cards that prompt the reader to ask questions of their partner regarding the nature of their relationship and why it works the way it does.
With human connection being one of the most complicated concepts, volunteers come from all different kinds of relationships; from young fathers and daughters, to gay couples, and even high-school couples. The Skin Deep strips away the facade of how well they think they know their partners to reveal the underlying elements.
Each video forces the viewer to turn inwards and question their own relationships. Having meaningful connection, regardless of the form, is a fundamental aspect of human existence, and without it we wouldn’t be able to survive. Exploring what it means to have connection and how different types of connection work for different individuals, The Skin Deep is a truly unique expression of the human condition.
The channel is eye opening in the sense that it shows how relationships aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, and that we are all connected by the same basic needs: pain, heartache, longing and love. The questions are catered to each individual duo and serve as catalysts to a deeper understanding of what goes into making the relationship functional. Covering things like PTSD in war veterans and drug abuse between partners, The Skin Deep doesn’t skip on life’s tough situations.
For some relationships it questions the power dynamic, understanding deeper issues that would not otherwise be brought to the surface had it not been for this doc-series. The significance of this type of experience is extremely important, as it serves as a reminder for us all that we wouldn’t be able to survive without the people around us.
In a society that would much prefer sending a quick text than facing another human being with eye contact and purpose, it is important to remember that although this technology keeps evolving and is convenient to have, it will never replace the intimacy of face-to-face interactions. Understanding how big emotional burdens can impact relationships opens up a much needed conversation of the importance of vulnerability.
