Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Fabu of FabuRocks Is Helping To Change Our World
Stay Genuine: Being yourself is key. People connect better when they know they’re listening to genuine experiences and real stories.
As a part of our series about leaders who are using their social media platforms to make a significant social impact, we had the pleasure of interviewing Fabu.
At just 14, Fabu has remarkably harnessed content creation as therapeutic support for her ADHD and speech delay since she was 7. Her journey includes speaking at Twitch Con, hosting the “FabuRocks” podcast, a YouTube series called “ADHD with Fabu”, live streaming on Twitch daily, and working on a book on her unique experience. Renowned brands like Turtle Beach, Roccat, and Neat Microphones proudly sponsor this exceptional young content creator.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Thank you for having me as part of this interview series! My journey to content creation is deeply personal. As a child, I was diagnosed with severe speech delay and ADHD. The traditional therapeutic approaches didn’t resonate with me. My ADHD made it challenging to maintain focus, especially when the subject matter didn’t capture my interest.
But there was one thing I was always passionate about: content creation. Recognizing my interest, my parents ingeniously leveraged it as a form of behavioral therapy. This approach not only helped me overcome my speech delay but also solidified my desire to be a content creator. Today, I’m fully committed to creating content, focusing on producing ADHD educational videos. Through this, I hope to further my understanding and educate others about what it is like living with ADHD, the good and the bad.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?
One of the most memorable moments since I started my career in content creation was when Turtle Beach extended an invitation for me to attend E3 in 2019. For those unfamiliar, E3 typically has an age restriction of 18 and over, so being invited was truly special. The entire event felt surreal, surrounded by the latest in gaming, meeting other passionate gamers and developers, and getting a firsthand look at games before they are launched. It was more than just a fun experience — it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that underscored the impact and reach of my content creation journey.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Right after I turned 14 years old, I wanted to get my FabuRocks Twitter profile verified. Given that my parents initially set up the account due to my age, we realized that for the verification to be under my name, we’d need to transition the ownership from my parents to me.
Well, you can probably see where this is going. During this seemingly simple process, I accidentally deleted the entire profile! Panic set in immediately. We scrambled to get in touch with Twitter support, hoping against hope to retrieve my lost profile. Waiting for a response from support felt like an eternity.
We did manage to recover the Fabu Rocks account, but it is still in my parents’ name and not mine. I ended up having to start a new handle, ‘Itsmefabu,’ on all social media platforms.
The lesson? Sometimes, mistakes can lead to new beginnings, as with my new handle, Itsmefabu.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
I first have to say that failure is inevitable. I’ve faced it plenty of times. Even the most successful individuals in this field have stumbled at some point. I try to remember that it’s not about how many times I fall but how many times I get back up. In this career, you’ll likely encounter more losses and setbacks than victories, but when you do achieve that win, the feeling is incredible and compares to no other.
Every mistake, every failure, is a stepping stone to growth. My advice to anyone considering this path is to not be discouraged or afraid by the prospect of failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it as fuel to push yourself further. The journey will be full of challenges, but working on overcoming them as you reach your goal is absolutely worth it.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?
My platform has always been more than just content creation; it’s a safe place for many. Over time, I’ve nurtured a community where individuals feel comfortable talking about their personal struggles. Some look for advice, and others look for someone to listen to them. ADHD, bullying, and mental health issues are topics frequently discussed. We live in a world where many feel isolated; offering a haven where people can share openly without judgment is crucial.
But beyond being a support system, I’ve also used my platform as an educational tool, particularly concerning ADHD. The FabuRocks podcast is one of my initiatives where I delve into my experiences, shedding light on what it’s like to live with ADHD. I’ve also been privileged to participate in panels, such as the one at Twitch Con, where I discussed mental health, ADHD, and gaming.
In essence, my platform isn’t just about entertainment or personal branding; it’s about community, where all our stories and experiences help make things better for everyone.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?
One of the most memorable individuals I’ve had the privilege of impacting is a young person (whose name I’ll withhold for privacy reasons). They popped into my stream a bunch of times, and at first, they were kinda just lurking. But one day, they just started chatting with me, talking about some rough times they were having at school and stuff. I not only listened but gave them some advice.
It’s super cool to see how they’ve come out of their shell, and has even made friends with others in the community. Today, we share more than just a creator-viewer relationship; we’re friends. Every now and then, we team up for a round of Fortnite. It’s awesome how real connections can form, even through screens.
Was there a tipping point that made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?
You know, there wasn’t really a specific “tipping point” that drove me to this area. My journey into content creation began at a young age as a form of behavioral therapy. It’s not just some hobby for me; it’s my career, my therapy, and the best part, I get to help, educate, and empower others.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
When you look at the gaming scene from a couple of years back, it was like… crickets. Not a lot of people talk about ADHD or mental health at gaming events like Twitch Con and PAX. Things are changing! When I went to Twitch Con last year, it was like a whole new world. The number of panels and booths talking about mental health was amazing to see.
If we’re talking specifics on what society or politicians or whoever can do to keep this momentum going? Here’s my shortlist:
- Awareness Overload: Keep talking about it! ADHD affects many people and it’s not going away. Schools, workplaces, and online communities should have discussions, workshops, or even, like, fun events focusing on ADHD and mental health.
- Education is Key: There’s a LOT of myths out there about ADHD, trust me. I would love to see more resources or programs for young people to educate them about what ADHD really means.
- Support & Safe Spaces: panels and discussions at one gaming event is awesome, but why not have more? I’d love to see more gaming events, both big and small, having dedicated spaces or even, like, side events focusing on mental health. This helps give a voice to those who might feel alone in their struggles.
Why do you think social media in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
I believe social media can be both good and bad. On one side, it can be super toxic. Like, every time I drop a reel of me doing my thing in Warzone, there’s always a bunch of trolls just dropping some real negative and hateful comments.
But then, flip the coin, and it’s like social media is this universe where you can interact and meet with amazing people. Those who get your vibe, share your passions, and just, like, understand you on a whole different level. And that’s super special.
Oh, and the learning part like on YouTube. It’s like the ultimate DIY university. My dad went from being totally clueless to being this editing and PC-building wizard. All thanks to some solid YouTube binging.
Social media’s power is all about connection and reach. Even if you’re like me and sometimes feel all over the place, you can find others who relate. We can share, learn, grow, and even start movements right from a laptop. It’s not just about selfies and filters; it’s about voices, stories, and making an impact.
You have to find your groove, embrace the good vibes, and stay true to yourself. Remember, your vibe attracts your following.
What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for social good?
Strategies I’ve Used:
- Content Creation: By sharing my personal journey, I’ve been able to relate to many individuals who face similar challenges. I’ve utilized platforms like YouTube, where I’ve shared videos documenting my experiences, and podcasts such as “FabuRocks” and “ADHD with Fabu”, to dive deeper into the world of ADHD and its impacts.
- Collaboration: I brought different perspectives to my cause. For instance, on my podcast “ADHD with Fabu”, I included my mom, who has a master’s in mental health, to bring in a more professional and clinical viewpoint.
- Storytelling: I am currently writing a book, which is a way to get my story out there. I am able to provide a detailed account of my journey, making it relatable and inspiring for others.
- Engagement: Consistently engaging with my audience through comments, live streams, and discord has allowed me to build a community. This direct engagement helps me understand their needs, answer their questions, and make them feel valued.
Tips for Others:
- Stay Genuine: Being yourself is key. People connect better when they know they’re listening to genuine experiences and real stories.
- Consistency is Crucial: Whether it’s a regular posting schedule or consistently engaging with your audience, this builds trust.
- Educate: Keep educating yourself so you can educate others. This not only adds value to your content but also positions you as a reliable source.
- Collaborate & Network: Find others in your field and collaborate. Guest appearances on other platforms or vice versa can introduce your cause to a broader audience.
- Use Various Media: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Utilize blogs, podcasts, videos, and even webinars to spread your message.
Remember, the impact you want to create starts with a single step. Stay persistent, be genuine, and always strive to add value to your audience.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Embrace Your Uniqueness: I spent so much time feeling ashamed of my ADHD. It felt like a label that set me apart in a negative way. But as I grew older and met others who shared similar experiences, I realized that ADHD didn’t define me, it was just a part of who I am. The day I started embracing it was the day I truly began to thrive.
Story: When I first started streaming, I would often feel scattered and thought that my audience would find me too erratic. But over time, I realized that many loved my energy and unique perspective. My ADHD was actually a strength, not a weakness!
2. You’re Not Alone: Everyone, regardless of their challenges or differences, wants to be a part of a community where they can belong. It can be very lonely when you feel like you’re the only one going through something. But the truth is, there are millions out there who share similar experiences.
Story: I remember attending a convention and meeting others with ADHD. The connection was instant! It was a powerful reminder that I was not alone in my journey.
3. Online Friendships: making friends online is pretty amazing. But here’s the thing with streaming — people come and go, like, all the time. You must remember it’s not about the numbers, but the real connections you make.
Story: So there was this one viewer, super cool, always chatting with me and even played games with me during most streams. Then, out of nowhere, ghosted my streams. I was like, “Did I mess up or something?” But turned out they had some personal stuff going on. It hit me then — you can’t always take it personally when someone stops hanging out. Life happens and you can’t take it personally.
4. Negativity and Hate: Online is filled with love and hate. You must protect your mental health and not let the negative comments get you down.
Story: When I first started out, one mean comment would mess up my whole day, even if I had like a zillion awesome ones. But, growing up online is like leveling up in a game. Now, I’m all about that positivity and shoutout to the real ones showing mad love.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Ask: The journey can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Seeking advice or assistance doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re smart enough to know when to ask for help.
Story: I could never have done or accomplished as much if it were not for the support of my parents. My parents are the real MVPs in my life. They are always there to help me every time I have an issue, need advice or more equipment.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be about uniting gamers everywhere to embrace our unique minds, especially those with ADHD. Let’s game, grow, and support each other, showing the world that every mind, every player, has their own unique value in the gaming universe! a global movement that not only celebrates the diverse strengths of gamers everywhere but also breaks down the stigmas around ADHD and mental health. Every week, I’d spotlight a gamer who is breaking stereotypes in the gaming world. Diversity isn’t just about how we look, but how we think, feel, and play.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a power lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If I had to pick one person to sit down and have a power lunch with, it would absolutely be Pokimane. She is someone I look up to in the gaming community and it would be totally epic to share stories, get advice, and just geek out about games over some delicious food.
Pokimane has paved the way for female gamers everywhere. Being in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she stands out and shows that us girls can rock the gaming world just as hard, if not harder! From Twitch streams to YouTube, Pokimane has done it all. I’d love to discuss the ins and outs of content creation with her, and hear her advice for young creators like me. I’d love to chat about the importance of staying genuine in the gaming and streaming space. As a female in gaming, it’s so important to have role models who’ve paved the way and can share their experiences.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Fabu of FabuRocks Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.