This is a key reason behind my discomfort with social media. The algorithms that seem unresponsive to clear signals of intent was the last straw. Ended up leaving YouTube over the incessant push to new channels and ragebait shit.
Anyway, lemmy might be a cesspit at times, but its a cesspit I can choose/not choose, to engage with, and thats some nice anti-monopolisation of my online experience in the design.
Its been two or three years now since i dipped out, the way you describe using the ‘don’t recommend’ and ‘not interested’ options seems to have a clearer result than when i last used them. If they’ve changed that functionality in the meantime i’m glad.
Yeah, some of peoples suggestions here are good. I liked that user who only looks at their subscribed channels tab, if i ever go back maybe i’d try that. Though the only youtuber i miss is adamsomething, one day i might jump onto his patreon.
Yeah I feel like they changed how the algorithm reacts to getting those requests. It used to be constant skirmishes with the suggested videos where I have to say “don’t recommend” until they stick.