yup @_L1vY_ @analogist i stopped using YT and their apps a long time ago because i mostly watch DIY videos.
my setup now:
1. i do not interact with anything Google w/o a VPN.
2. Freetube is my YT app.
- can choose country other than USA.
- routes youtube thru Invidious, stripping the videos from ads.
- i set up the app to not show me trending videos.
3. Invidious are my links to YT on the web
some videos sneak thru, but this is the only way i can avoid Google's fascist algorithm