Tech & Digital Literacy – Episode 13 – Beginner’s Guide to YouTube & How to Use It
Proverbs 4:7 – “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Welcome to another episode of JUST STRAIGHT TALK. I’m your host, R-E SAMPLE. Now today, we’re diving into something a lot of us hear about, maybe even see our grandkids using, but don’t always feel comfortable trying for ourselves. It’s called YouTube.
You might be asking, “What is it really? Isn’t it just a bunch of silly videos?” No, my friend — not if you know how to use it right. So sit back, and let’s take a walk through this tool that can open doors to learning, inspiration, and even faith. We’re going to keep GOD at the center of all this too, because wisdom without his guidance doesn’t last.
GOD, we come to you asking for understanding. Help us not be afraid of the things we don’t know. Help us to use what’s new to grow, not just in knowledge, but in wisdom that pleases you. Let this talk today make someone more confident, more curious, and more faithful. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
What is YouTube and why should seniors use it?
Let’s get down to it. YouTube is a free video website. You don’t have to pay to use it. It’s where people all around the world post videos on just about anything you can imagine. But more importantly — you can use YouTube to learn. Not play around, not waste time, but learn.
Want to see how to bake a peach cobbler like your grandma used to? There’s a video for that.
Need to understand your Social Security benefits? There are thousands of explanations.
Interested in sermons that feed your spirit? Type in Jehovah’s Witnesses or Baptist Christianity or any faith-based teachings,” and there it is.
But here’s where the wisdom comes in. Everything on YouTube isn’t good. Some videos can be misleading, full of nonsense, or even inappropriate. That’s why Proverbs 4:7 is so fitting — “with all thy getting, get understanding.”
YouTube is like a giant city. There are libraries, but there are also dark alleys. So we don’t walk through that city with our eyes closed. We walk with our mind alert and our heart in prayer.
Let’s go step by step — real simple. If you’ve got a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer, you can get to YouTube.
Open the YouTube App or Website
– On your phone or tablet, look for the app that says YouTube — usually red and white with a little play button.
– On your computer, go to www.youtube.com.
Use the Search Bar
– At the top, there’s a little white box. That’s your search bar.
– Click inside it and type something like “how to study the bible,” “gospel music,” or “senior stretching exercises.”
Click a Video Title to Watch
– You’ll see a list of videos. Look at the titles. Pick one that sounds helpful.
– If it doesn’t look right after a few seconds — back out and try another one.
Adjust the Volume and Screen Size
– Use the volume buttons on your phone or computer to hear better.
– Click the little square in the corner of the video to make it full screen so you can see it better.
Avoid Clicking on Ads or Strange Links
– If something says “sponsored” or “click here to win,” don’t trust it.
– YouTube itself is safe, but scammers love to sneak in through ads. Stick with well-known sources.
Tips for a better experience
– Create an account if you want to save your favorite videos or follow a trusted channel. You don’t need to post anything — just watch and learn.
– Use headphones if your environment is noisy. It helps you hear clearly and keeps you focused.
– Write down good channels that you enjoy — maybe it’s a cooking show, a bible teacher, or someone who teaches basic phone skills. Keep a little notebook if it helps.
– Turn on subtitles if reading along helps. Many videos offer captions. Just look for the little “CC” symbol.
– Watch with someone — a spouse, a friend, a grandchild. Learning together brings joy and connection.
Staying Faith-Focused in a Digital World
Now here’s the real talk part. Just because we’re learning about something digital doesn’t mean we leave our spiritual mind behind. In fact, this is a chance to bring your spiritual walk into this new space.
Start your YouTube journey by searching for content that uplifts you. Bible readings. Old gospel music. Talks from trusted spiritual leaders. Sermons that help your walk with God.
But don’t let YouTube become your God. Some folks end up watching hours of videos and forget to pray, or they chase after conspiracies instead of peace.
That’s not our path. As seniors, our goal is to stay alert and faithful. Use the tool — don’t let it use you. Let me also say this: don’t feel ashamed if you have to watch a video twice. That’s the beauty of it. You can pause, rewind, learn at your own pace. This is your classroom now.
To anyone listening today who feels a little nervous, let me speak directly to you: It’s never too late to learn. Never too late to grow. Don’t believe the lie that this is only for the young. Wisdom is for those who seek it, and you’ve got every right to explore new things, especially when it helps your life and your faith.
Try YouTube today. Type in something simple. Maybe “how to pray,” “book of psalms,” or “easy dinner recipes.” Take that first step and let the holy spirit guide you in what you choose to watch.
And if something doesn’t sit right with your spirit? Stop the video. Close it out. Your peace is more important than a view count.
GOD, thank you for giving us minds that can still grow and hearts that still want to learn. We ask for your covering over the digital spaces we enter. Help us choose wisely. Help us recognize what’s helpful and what’s harmful. And above all, help us stay focused on you. Let every new skill we gain bring us closer to being the people you called us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I’m R-E SAMPLE, and this has been JUST STRAIGHT TALK. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember — age is not a limit. It’s a blessing. I’ll see you next time.
Remember– Truth Don’t Change. JUST STRAIGHT TALK