The recommender seems like the biggest problem. The algorithm attempts to maximize engagement, and this extreme content really engages the crap out of some peo

The recommender seems like the biggest problem. The algorithm attempts to maximize engagement, and this extreme content really engages the crap out of some people. The recommender throwing this stuff in people's faces is probably not very good for society. Back in the day, if you wanted to buy a porn magazine, you could do it but it would be behind the counter, possibly out of sight entirely. It was legal to buy, but it was not being "recommended" to you by the store by virtue of giving it visible shelf space. I suppose that there is some section 230 argument about why YouTube can't do that, because then they would be exercising editorial control. I'd say that they already are exercising editorial control by having a recommender. I'd much rather have humans exercise that editorial control than an algorithm which is essentially psychopathic. It's an editor that is trying to addict viewers.