Justin Pot
Turn off YouTube's algorithm entirely so you stop getting sucked into rabbit holes against your will. https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-turn-off-youtube-algorithm/
How to Escape the YouTube Algorithm

At best, suggested videos are bad. At worst, they lead to disinformation. Here's how to take control with just one setting toggle.

WIRED
Sep 8, 2023 at 2:39pmTootSuite
Show threadPJ "Vote Green" CoffeySep 8, 2023

@jhpot

Ah you've been too good and I've run out of free articles for Wired (!!!, a first I assure you!)

I have a policy not to engage with subscriptions where they want a credit card and then it renews automatically, but that's 100% not your fault.

Show threadJustin PotSep 8, 2023
@Homebrewandhacking I’m honoured to use up your free slots (secret tip: reader mode usually gets around paywalls)
Show threadPJ "Vote Green" CoffeySep 8, 2023

@jhpot

What is "reader mode"? 🤔

This thing perhaps?
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/reader-mode/llimhhconnjiflfimocjggfjdlmlhblm

Reader Mode

A feature-packed distraction-free web reader with dyslexia support and research tools

Show threadJustin PotSep 8, 2023
@Homebrewandhacking Safari on Apple devices offers this. For Chrome users I like this extension: https://reader.postlight.com
Postlight Reader

Postlight Reader is a browser extension that removes ads and distractions, leaving only text and images for a beautiful reading view on any site.

Postlight Reader
Show threadPJ "Vote Green" CoffeySep 8, 2023

@jhpot

Some top tech tips there! I'll have to have a look when I'm not on my phone. Thanks! 😀

Show threadLeonardo Ferreira FontenelleSep 8, 2023
@jhpot What I do is mostly stick to a few handpicked channels, and sometimes watch videos in Firefox's private mode without logging in. Stopping my YouTube history is tempting, but I do use my history sometimes so I guess I'll pass for now.
Show threadJustin PotSep 8, 2023
@lffontenelle Fair enough! The important thing is to think through a system that works for you instead of accepting the defaults.
Show threadrrmuttSep 9, 2023
@jhpot I’ve had that turned off for years; sadly YouTube is insanely good at tracking your IP and fingerprinting your browser so you can’t really escape without using a proxy like https://invidious.io/
Invidious

Invidious is an open source alternative front-end to YouTube.

Invidious