Quote · Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast
This is the Best Android Update Ever
Where this was said
YouTube, Creativity, and the Backrooms Director
At 1:24:12 · chapter starts 1:20:30
David makes the case for YouTube's distinct identity as a learning platform separate from the social dynamics of Instagram or X: it's less about personal performance and public judgment, more about content and community. Marques brings up the Backrooms movie director, who made his first horror short at 17 (80 million views), subsequently made a major studio film, and learned 3D modeling and effects entirely through YouTube tutorials. Under the UK's proposed under-16 ban, he couldn't have acquired those skills at that age. The hosts don't dismiss the serious risks — grooming, self-harm content, cyberbullying — but argue the answer is nuanced: internet literacy education, strong parental controls, and separating genuine social media from educational video platforms. The segment ends with Marques suggesting perhaps uploading to YouTube should be restricted before a certain age, rather than viewing. [1] — David Imel "Backrooms director made first short at age 17: The director of the Backrooms movie made his first viral short at age 17, which David argues…" 1:25:53
The UK proposes banning children under 16 from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, claiming it will go further than any other country in restricting children's online time.
The UK plans to ban children under 16 from YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X. The hosts largely support protecting kids — but banning YouTube specifically could backfire: without an account, kids get unfiltered recommendations with zero parental restrictions. And it would have blocked the Backrooms director from learning filmmaking at 17.
The director of the Backrooms movie made his first viral short at age 17, which David argues would have been impossible under the UK's proposed under-16 social media ban.
