You don't have to involve yourself with the social-media side of YT at all, though. It is optional. I curate my subscription list and don't browse any discover-type feeds or anything and only see content from channels to which I am subscribed. I block comments sections using a browser extension. I don't watch "shorts". As far as the social media aspect of the site goes, if one ignores the comments and algorithmic content (which isn't always horrible anyway but is certainly optional) you can easily curate a good experience for yourself.