YouTube’s Plot to Silence Conspiracy Theories | WIRED

YouTube doesn't get enough focus for the role that it plays spreading disinformation. I think this is in part because YouTube doesn't feel like a social network. It has different mechanics. However, it shares one key mission that all social networks have. The number one objective is to get you to engage as long as possible, through whatever means work. It is good to see that they are working to adapt their algorithms to fight this, but I suspect that will just result in a "cat & mouse" game forever.

When you look deeper at YouTube you see an incredibly effective algorithmic radicalization engine. Yes, it’s also surrounded by videos on how to fix your plumbing. YouTube is one of the most challenging platforms because it is both a utility and a social network.

The best way to engage in YouTube in my view is to never, never, really never, click on any recommended videos. Drop in, get what you want, and get out of dodge. Even better, if you use a feed reader like Feedbin, you can subscribe to channels there and avoid all recommended content and just get what you specifically want. That is how I get SpaceX videos, and a handful of other channels I like to keep up with.