Issue #24: My watch history & I
An Analysis
Dear Reader,
Imagine if applying for jobs in the future demanded the submission of our YouTube watch history? Hang on for a second, close your eyes, and imagine sitting in front of a panel, but instead of looking at your resume, they’re scrolling down your YouTube watch history to gauge the type of person that you are. The world is increasingly turning into a dystopia, the idea might not be as crazy as it sounds.
*Side note: I should absolutely write a short story with that theme!
The Mirror
My Search Bar & Me
Speaking of YouTube watch histories, I reflected on mine and decided to write and diagnose myself.
1. American Politics: Americans should be applauded for successfully programming our minds into accepting their special stage in global affairs. I’ve always been a news junkie, but now, I’ve turned into one that consumes America’s current affairs through YouTube, instead of traditional media. They’re informative, often horrifically depressing (especially on the devastation ongoing in Gaza), and yet, I can’t stop watching.
2. Football Highlights: Listen, I have no understanding of football. Years ago, my family friend was watching a nail-biting match with a keen interest, so keen, she sat on the floor, inches away from the large TV. Something happened, and something possessed me to shout ‘foul.’ Obviously, I was wrong, because she rolled to her right, laughing at my erroneous deduction of what had occurred on screen.
When this started, I can’t recall. But, whenever I overhear a discussion regarding a match, I go on YouTube to look at the highlights, deliriously happy watching the players (the winners) run around the field, punching the air, jumping on their teammates and coaches. I become happy seeing their happiness, despite not knowing their names, the team’s history or the significance of the match.
3. Clips of The Golden Girls or Modern Family: My favourite comedies of all time. The two shows are genuinely funny and never fail to brighten my day.
4. End of year Actor Roundtables: I might not have watched all the movies in discussion (or even one), but I love listening to discussions about how they approach their craft, their passion for their profession and their struggles to attain success. I learn a lot.
5. Saturday Night Live clips: Especially the Weekend Update segment. The rest of the show’s clips are always a hit or miss with me, but the Weekend Updates rarely bore me.
6. Faith improvement videos: I’ve learnt so much about my faith on it, through watching scholars that are relatable, and view the world in a practical way.
7. How to make $100 BILLION + productivity videos: I would love an investigation into the people who profess these success techniques, I often wonder if they’re genuine about how they built their wealth or if building their wealth depends on my belief in them.
8. How to write tutorials: Shout out to Abbie Emmons, Diane Callahan, Story Grid, David Perell and others!
Out of curiosity, I wrote this prompt on ChatGPT and asked it to diagnose me:
Here are the things I watch online constantly on YouTube, what do they say about me? Answer with a single sentence for each of the items.
American Politics, Football Highlights though I’m not a football fan, Funny clips of The Golden Girls and Modern Family, End of year Actor Roundtables, Islamic videos, Saturday Night Live clips, How to make $100 BILLION + productivity channels, and How to write channels.
I got this response:
Here’s what your YouTube watch habits suggest about you, one sentence per interest:
1. American Politics – You’re intellectually curious and like staying informed on societal power structures and current events.
2. Football Highlights (though not a fan) – You appreciate high-energy moments and may enjoy the drama and skill even without loyalty to the sport.
3. Funny clips of The Golden Girls and Modern Family – You value wit, comfort, and character-driven humor, especially with a touch of nostalgia or found-family dynamics.
4. End of Year Actor Roundtables – You’re intrigued by the craft of performance and enjoy hearing thoughtful reflections from creatives at the top of their game.
5. Islamic Videos – You’re spiritually inclined or seeking grounding, guidance, or meaning through faith-based content.
6. Saturday Night Live clips – You like topical humor and cultural satire, even if it’s hit-or-miss, and enjoy staying plugged into the zeitgeist.
7. "How to make $100 BILLION"– You’re ambitious and possibly wrestling with big dreams versus practical execution.
8. How to write channels – You have a creative side and a desire to communicate effectively, perhaps with aspirations to write something meaningful.
My own diagnosis: I’m just searching for ways to improve and laugh.
The Lens
Watch History Portfolio.
The Shelf
Read The Poem: An Autobiography in 5 Chapters by Portia Nelson
A beautiful poem about changing directions and not giving up.
Available to read here: An Autobiography in 5 Chapters by Portia Nelson
The Grounding
Have a look at your YouTube search history and reflect on any patterns you recognise.
Before You Go
Please let me know if you find the newsletter engaging; if you don’t, I’d still love to hear some feedback. I’ll be grateful regardless, I promise!
Thank you for reading!
Until next week,
Spring4th.
Love it!