* Improve YouTube! extension - allows you to hide the addictive elements such as related videos, suggestions, comments, etc. so you don't get sucked in. [1]
* Intention - Stop Mindless Browsing extension [2]
* Turn off autoplay
* On Android: Digital Wellbeing app with focus mode [3]
* You can watch some videos at higher speeds
* Meditation can help, you can use apps such as Headspace and Calm to get started with it.
* Use Time-Block planning techniques [4]
1. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/improve-youtube-vi...
2. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/intention-stop-min...
3. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.and...
4. https://www.timeblockplanner.com/ (for inspiration, not a purchase recommendation)
I didn't know RSS could work with Youtube. Some channels I still want to subscribe. Will definitely check out feedbin. Thanks!
There is another alternative. You can use the app that Youtube Shorts is copying and you'll get higher quality content in the same format.
TikTok's algorithm for discovery is the best I've ever encountered. I find all kinds of cool stuff on there. It's highly addicting like other social media. I often uninstall it from my phone when I'm not using it. But I will say that I don't find it to be an endless doom scroll like other social media. When I'm done using it I usually have a list of stuff to look up or have laughed at people making something goofy.
In any case. The privacy concerns are enough to warrant never using it. I understand why people might get mad even at the suggestion. I wish the Youtube version was better I would just use that. I've tried Youtube Shorts too and I can relate to your experience. It's somewhat addicting because it's a similar format. But you get that gross feeling when you're done like other social media. "Where did my time just go?"
I think the solution is to stop sitting around on the computer/phone in the first place. If you stop using YouTube, but sit there on your phone for no reason, you’ll just end up wasting time on something else.
For me it's a vicious cycle, where you keeping watching to find something good, and when you do that gives you the dopamine boost to keep watching more....
What helps me is recognizing that it is like an addictive substance. When you treat it with the same seriousness as drugs and alcohol, it becomes easier to manage...
I also subscribed to a few sites where I can stream video on topics I'm interested in, and now I have less reason to go on YouTube in the first place. I'm directly supporting some great individuals and organizations and learning a lot. You mentioned that you have a couple creators you really like. You could try following and supporting them directly.
Alternatively, subscribe to channels' RSS feeds and don't use a Youtube account at all to break the algorithm's hold on you.
In the meantime, use something like quietube or invidious to play youtube videos.