If my YouTube algorithm could talk.
Nothing is a better depiction of what’s happening inside my head than my “suggested for you” lineup of videos on YouTube.
Recently, switching from chipping away at work to consuming a video has been my brain-number and relief tool. I’ll throw in my Airpods while I do the dishes, water the yard, or get ready for work and genuinely look forward to it as a breather in the middle of my day. A little break for my mind.
This got me to thinking though: if the YouTube algorithm could talk, what would it say about me?
Here’s my guess:
She’s a comedy fan
Netflix is a Joke, Dry Bar Comedy, various other standup specials, Olan Rogers, even old Whose Line is it Anyway episodes—I’m all about a quick laugh and YouTube knows it.
She’s clearly deconstructing her faith
Videos delving into deconstructing the nuts and bolts of Christian evangelical fundamentalism has been inspiring me in my deconstruction journey all year long. It’s insightful for me to hear beliefs and cultural customs articulated by these YouTubers. Hearing what was the unspoken norm in my upbringing verbalized out loud is helpful in dissecting it for myself. Fundie Fridays, God is Grey, Ex-Fundie Diaries, and Rachael Oates are among my favorites.
She enjoys little psychological how-to’s
Mental health and wellness is a consistent area I seek to invest in. Charisma on Command, Psych2Go, Mickey Atkins, and various therapist channels give me my psychology and mental health fix when looking for resources.
She likes her some skin and hair tutorials
YouTube has taught me everything I know about beauty routines. Hyram, Cassandra Bankston, Janelle O’Shaughnessy, Dr. Dray, Manes by Mel, and so many more creators are to thank for my ability to do anything with my hair and face.
She’s a fan of long-form YouTube commentary
I’m a big fan of the video essay format. I learn best via the visual and auditory combo of art forms like documentaries and videos, and the long-form commentary on YouTube is my favorite way to delve into new subjects. YouTubers like Kurtis Conner, Tara Mooknee, Jarvis Johnson and others are my go-to’s.
YouTube knows what I want more than I do most days and I’m honestly grateful. Takes one more thing off my plate to figure out.