You're probably correct, but what product owner is going to take the chance on purposefully chasing lower engagement?

Considering that this is also the biggest problem regarding youtube, you may be right.

However, if it's true, the consequences are terrifying, if you take into account that engagement is directly tied to the financial success of every company whose money comes from advertising.

(And here it is: yet another reason to despise advertising and surveillance capitalism...).

EDIT: typo.