Shane Dawson’s YouTube Series ‘Proving’ Jake Paul Is a ’Sociopath' Raises Concerns

Shane Dawson’s new eight-part special “The Mind of Jake Paul” has received its share of criticism since the first part was released Sept. 25. Dawson’s docuseries focuses on whether or not Paul can be considered a sociopath. Dawson also infers that many YouTube personalities have personality disorders. 

Dawson’s YouTube series faced scrutiny before it aired, with many viewers threatening to boycott Dawson due to his decision to create the series. Dawson has made other docuseries about controversial YouTube personalities like Tana Mongeau and Jeffree Star.

Paul is no stranger to controversy. He was fired by Disney in 2017 after several incidents regarding his stunts and conduct in YouTube videos. Paul is the younger brother of Logan Paul, who was criticized for filming someone who died by suicide.

After the first two parts of the series aired, many viewers criticized Dawson for making light of personality disorders. Others were concerned the series would lead others to incorrectly diagnose themselves and others, further perpetuating stigma.

I need to voice a concern, @shanedawson.

This isn’t a call out, but how much thought was put into the idea that after a video like your latest, that any awkward kid (including ones with disabilities) could be labeled a “sociopath,” due to your audience’s youthful inexperience?

— The Honorable Judge Peter M. Coffin ???? (any/all) (@petercoffin) September 28, 2018

I’m watching shane’s video out of curiosity and I’m already cringing at him claiming all youtubers must have some sort of personality disorder ??

— max (@ohcalamityx) September 26, 2018

Dawson responded to this criticism and defended his decision. Dawson clarified that he is not diagnosing someone nor is he instructing people to diagnose others. 

i tried to make it clear in the vid, the description, my twitter, & all other places that people can’t diagnose each other &that a therapist needs to meet them. and also that it’s not the obvious awkward kid it’s someone you would never expect. people who fly under the radar ???????? https://t.co/8i5dABGql8

— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) September 28, 2018

Others criticized Dawson for his editing and said he misrepresented personality disorders. Sociopathy is not a recognized mental illness. The term “sociopath” is often used outside of the mental health system to describe someone with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). In the second part of his series, Dawson looked at the diagnostic material of ASPD, which some viewers found to be overly simplified. 

It’s not just the editing, Shane. It’s the lack of acknowledgement that ASPD is in a spectrum. You keep saying you’re trying to shed a light on the topic so people can be informed, but all you and that therapist did was spread misinformation and vilify and entire group of people

— CharlieDVan (@charliedvan) September 28, 2018

Dawson admitted that he “went overboard with the horror movie editing.” He said that he went back and re-edited videos part 3 to part 8.

i understand why people are upset. i definetly went overboard with the horror movie editing but that’s cause i got excited & love editing horror. but i’m going to be more sensitive with the editing going forward. the last thing i want it to hurt anyone. :(its never my intention. https://t.co/aNcXkJo5eI

— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) September 28, 2018

Paul responded to the controversy, saying that it didn’t seem like Dawson was trying to figure out if he was a “sociopath,” he was labeling him one. 

I guess the only thing im concerned about is that you still haven’t made it clear that you’re DETERMINING wether or not I am a sociopath…

The way it comes off (at least to me & my family) is that you’re already labeling me a “sociopath” (this tweet also comes off that way) https://t.co/0rkiV0fyX3

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 1, 2018

Paul followed his post with another tweet stating he agreed to do the series and trusts Dawson. 

I love Shane & am trusting him 2 carry out the rest of the series..

I hope he can actually make it clear WHO I AM & WHY I’ve done certain things & SHOW the side of me that no one has ever seen..

That’s why I agreed to do the series.. the “sociopath” STUFF doesn’t interest me

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 1, 2018

New episodes of “The Mind of Jake Paul” will continue to air over the next few weeks. It is unclear whether the series will address the controversy it’s caused so far.

The Mighty reached out to Shane Dawson and Jake Paul and has yet to hear back.