LFYT: Search Function (Final)

[seanludes]

Youtube is a unique academic tool in the sense that it organizes your search results by their popularity. If people enjoy a video, it is more likely to appear even if another video has more pertinent information. The site acts like a mirror of the culture who engages in it, reflecting the raw and accurate anonymous preferences of its viewers. The anonymity of a username eliminates a sense of personal responsibility that one has for their actions, changing what is truly meant by "free speech".

[Cojmonkey]

I found this video somewhat informative and I agree that the search function needs to be improved, theres nothing more frustrating than not being able to find a video you want to watch or share with others. It is up to the users to create the tags which they think will make the video most readily available to those who want to watch it, if this is how the search function works

[2sniffles]

In the countless hours I've spent on YouTube I've still yet to master the art of searching for videos, and it's been the source of endless aggravation for me. There have been so many cool videos I've found, only to be lost forever minutes later because I can't find my way back to them. That being said, I really don't know if there's a better way. The maker of the video can put whatever tags they want on it, so they really control who can search for it and how easy it is for them to find.

[jordrose1]

"youtube is also really good at using its users to pick out and sort good videos. They have the whole rating system." Youtube is undoubtedly the main source of entertainment and laughs for many bored people. But let's consider the source of news, mass media, and art culture that is searched for and admired on youtube. The way we are supposed to determine outcomes of searches is by fellow "users"? Kindness is dead? Perhaps. Is our cultural growth dead? Let's search for the answer...

[SLeePortfolio]

I think this video is proof of how we are living in a user-generated world. I can't say that I often use Youtube as a resource, but I definitely rely on it to see new footage of shows and music videos, how-to instructionals, or just to pass the time. The "suggestions" bar is pretty much an added function for entertainment. As for tags, I have definitely encountered "mis-tagged" videos, but isn't it the same as incorrect information on Wikipedia? You approach with expectation but also caution

[VAlegacy24]

Funny, I arrived at this video by google searching: 'Why is youtube's search function so shitty'. It is shitty.

[beerbad]

I would be interested to see you compare YouTube's search function to that of other websites, even other video hosting websites.

[MediaPraxisme]

Your explication of strengths and weaknesses is a useful summary for us. Your observations on using the users is key to understanding the structure of YouTube (and its strengths and weaknesses for users).

[jessw11]

Search: one of the many problems with the functionality of YouTube. Until it finally organizes itself in a categorical format (not by random leads to popular videos), YouTube remains at a standstill. The debates were a promising experiment in internet media's power. Will YouTube hinder our culture by relegating life to under 10 mins and of poor quality? Will it teach us to create better videos? What about the burgeoning lawsuits? What will finally cause YouTube to REALLY start changing itself?