I found that YT Shorts became absolutely terrible around the time they removed the dislike button. This could be because the recommendation algorithm is lacking adequate signals now, or they could be intentionally pushing profitable bad content and removing any signal of possible backlash.

Interesting. Personally, I hate YT shorts.

I only watch YouTube, but I grew tired of the algorithm and wanted traditional TV, but for YT. So created this: https://channelsurfer.tv

I keep shorts out.

"When you've got a TV Guide, you don't need a TV!" -grandpa, The Lost Boys

For entertainment, I much prefer TV to Youtube. Never liked the latter - even before it became ad-laden.