Trusting Physics channels on YouTube

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SUMMARY

This discussion evaluates the reliability of popular YouTube physics channels, specifically Vsauce and MinutePhysics, while recommending Fraser Cain and PBS Space Time as more credible sources. Users generally trust these channels for engaging content but advise against using them for academic citations. The consensus emphasizes the importance of verifying information and seeking peer-reviewed sources for in-depth understanding, as YouTube videos often condense complex topics, potentially omitting critical details.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of peer-reviewed research standards
  • Familiarity with academic citation practices
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts
  • Awareness of content creation limitations in video formats
NEXT STEPS
  • Research peer-reviewed journals in physics for reliable information
  • Explore the content of PBS Space Time for in-depth physics discussions
  • Learn about the principles of academic citations and their importance
  • Investigate the impact of video length on educational content retention
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in physics who seeks to discern credible sources of information in the digital age.

Abphysics
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Should I trust what people say like Vsauce or MinutePhysics about content or should I double check the information always?
 
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Those are two of the more well known physics channels on youtube. I'd say generally you can trust them, but certainly I wouldn't use them as a source or for citation.
 
Fraser Cain and PBS Space Time is pretty good. Youtube videos are almost never a good source for citations unless it's a University lecture.
 
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Flatland said:
Fraser Cain and PBS Space Time is pretty good. Youtube videos are almost never a good source for citations unless it's a University lecture.
PBS Space Time is Phenomenal
 
There's a saying in my industry: trust but verify.

Both of those channels tend to put out high quality, thought-provoking and generally interesting material, from what I've seen. But I wouldn't assume they're infallible.

One immediate issue that comes to mind is the problem of condensing a broad topic into a one-to-five minute video. It doesn't matter how good you are, in order to do this, you need to skip over some details somewhere.

So as with learning just about anything, it's reasonable to use these channels as a springboard. If you're really interested in something that they cover, seek out other sources. In an academic sense you want to seek out sources that are peer reviewed, although, such sources are often less accessible as they are written for other researchers. But that's the gold standard.
 
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