The subtelties of quantum mechanics

As illustrated by Jim Halpert

Quantum mechanics — here is a topic synonymous with the wildest frontiers of our scientific knowledge. From a place of strict intellectual rigor it nonetheless makes references to such things as zombie cats and alternate universes, much to the unending fascination of the general public. But despite their popularity, these ideas remain shrouded in mystery: for the layperson who lacks the necessary academic background, they’re as impenetrable as they are captivating.

As it often does, however, the Internet stands as an exception to this rule. Here, an inimitable form of media known as the “Youtube documentary” thrives. As its name suggests, these are Youtube videos which are made and uploaded, for the most part, by enthusiastic amateurs. They’re often impressively-researched — although the credbility of their sources is often taken for granted — and can easily reach hundreds of thousands to millions of views each.

With little to no production costs and open accessibility, the Youtube documentary is a genre well-suited for the wild-west spirit of our digital era. But like many products of scant regulation, they have a dark side. In many cases, they’re nothing but unwelcome chimeras, a damnable blend of cheap entertainment and pseudoscientific delusion. You can find literally hundreds of…