Part 7/10:
Many blame the rapid decline in content quality on YouTube's algorithm, which tends to favor videos that generate high engagement and watch time. This creates a scenario where sensationalism often trumps authentic storytelling. However, some reflect that algorithm changes shouldn’t be the sole scapegoat for this shift—viewers themselves also play a role by engaging more positively with certain types of content, consequently leading creators to adapt their strategies.
In a bid to reclaim some semblance of authenticity, some creators have experimented with browser tools that allow them to bypass unsatisfying formats, effectively seeking a return to a version of "the old YouTube" where connection rather than algorithm dictated success.