the problem i have with educational youtube is 
    that it's competence porn. it's quite satisfying

It's a balance we all need to find, for sure -- competence porn vs. actual practice.

I think it's only a problem when you fool yourself and/or hurt yourself.

Late in 2023 I started watching some streaming coders (a thing I did not know existed) and I've found it beneficial. Definitely exposed to some things I wouldn't have been otherwise.