You know what... I do use a VPN and adblock/anti tracking stuff. I'd never thought of that being the reason. Which I guess just goes to show how it defaults to "let's show this person tits and rage-bait, that'll likely keep them clicking."
That would also explain why YouTube, which I have a paid sub for, always seems to show me stuff I'm interested in. Hahaha
I do not look at porn, nazi bullshit, or any of the other crap assorted sites try to force on me. The "algorithm" just sends you what it thinks you want to see, or what the programmer does want you to see. It's isn't some ambivalent god that just blesses you with what you're already looking at.
I keep vaguely informed. But watching it 24/7 is unhealthy.
Know what's going on, but don't obsess over it. Because, as you rightly state, there's nothing you can do about it anyway. Why get upset over stuff you can't control?
My kids use a plethora of short-form video apps, and they also read novels, in addition to hobbies like cooking, knitting, crocheting, mechanical work, etc.
Dragging myself out of my house to deal with this maddening existence called life, despite every fiber of my being telling me to stay home and avoid all you annoying flesh-bags that just do everything you can to irritate me.
Yeah, but think of the profits when people have absolutely forgotten the original release and the movie can just be recast 30 years later and passed off as original.
No matter what level of effort you'll be using... don't get the Walmart brand. Yeah, they're good for beginners and can handle the occasional weekend project. But even you don't use them enough to wear them out, the other dads/men will make fun of you for having the hardware equivalent of velcro shoes from the dollar store.
Honest answer: I started with DeWalt. Had issues. Went to Milwaukee. Never regretted it.
My depression goes away in the Winter. Come summer I get seasonal agression and hide in the basement.