As I approach my dotage (some would say I'm already there), I find my learning style has evolved - perhaps not for the better. There was a time I would try to figure out how to repair something without reference to manuals or other written materials. Then I turned to online step-by-step written instructions. Next, some folks started interspersing photos in their how-to-instructions. Now, people post YouTube videos showing the exact steps to take. When I Google a "how-to" question now, I immediately click on the videos option. Sad commentary...
Chuck,
Maybe not a sad commentary. The internet can be extremely useful, and concise visual information can clarify what to do or what not to do. I once solved a problem for a computer company (they were having a very high failure-on-installation rate with one of their pieces of gear) by writing a profusely illustrated installation guide. This was before the internet.
Today, I have solved a number of problems using information, including videos, off the internet.
Unfortunately, the barrier to entry on the internet is extremely low, which opens the door for bad information, open fraud, pranks, etc., at virtually no cost to the person perpetrating them.
I have just dipped my toe into a book by Charles Seife, entitled
Virtual Unreality -- just because the internet told you, how do you know it's true? That promises to be a must-read for anyone who uses the internet.
Cheers, Jock