YouTube University

I saw a t-shirt the other day that was perfect for my husband.  It had a picture of a chainsaw on it, and the caption read, “I may not be a professional, but I’ve watched a lot of YouTube.”

               It was perfect because of so many times he (and our son, for that matter) have determined they could do things merely by watching another amateur who has posted himself on YouTube completing the task. 

               Sometimes these tasks are straightforward, like changing a lightbulb.  I’m not oversimplifying in this example.  Several years ago, one of the long fluorescent light bulbs under our cabinets finally went dark.  We purchased a replacement and set about taking out the dark bulb and putting in the new one. It didn’t go well.  My husband couldn’t get his fingers in the very small space between the cabinet and the bulb.  I could insert a couple of fingers, but had nightmarish visions about the bulb shattering into a million pieces if I pulled too hard.

               Finally, Matt got on YouTube and discovered a helpful video that appeared to have been posted by a 5-year-old.  He was a genius, and following his example, Matt was able to change the bulb.  And, in the subsequent weeks, the other three, as well.

               Last year, we purchased a new snow blower.  The box said “easy to assemble” and “no special tools required.” This is always a big tell – it’s going to be a painful process and you’ll want to shoot the box before you’re done. 

               Matt called our son over and the two of them read and re-read the instruction manual (such as it was).  There didn’t appear to be corresponding parts in our box to the instruction manual. Finally, they returned to the source of all information – the computer – and found Melvin, the helpful man who had purchased the same snow blower.

               Melvin was – after just a couple of missteps and bleeped words – able to demonstrate how to put together the specific model we had purchased.  He even mentioned that the instructions provided in the box were not as helpful as you might expect.

               Matt has become skilled at a number of home remodeling jobs by watching videos – sometimes, many times over – to master a specific task.  From these videos, he has learned how to tile our living room ceiling, re-mortar stone work, eliminate ground cover, and cook an entire brisket. 

               I’ve gently poked fun at him for taking so much time on YouTube to complete tasks.  But all my teasing came to a halt last week when we were on our annual Friendsgiving trip. 

               We had rented a cabin that had a hot tub and on the second day, the guys went hiking.  The gals decided we would get into the tub and relax for a while.  Upon opening the lid, we found the controls, but they were locked.  We could not get the jets to start, turn on the lights, or even read the temperature.   

               We quickly sent an email to the management, but internet service is spotty in the hills.  So we went inside and called the home office.  While on the phone, my friend looked up “how to unlock hot tub” on YouTube.

               You guessed it – before you could say “Jack Robinson,” a video began playing that showed which button to hold and for how long.  I ran outside and followed the instructions and voila! The jets began to spray.

               I’m a convert, I guess.  All hail YouTube.  If you want to know how to change a lightbulb, unlock a hot tub, or cook a brisket – it’s all there!