YouTube issued a press release today highlighting videos at the “forefront of politics, music, entertainment and more.” 90% of it is worthless crap.

While YouTube brought us Battle at Kruger which was pretty amazing, it also brought us “cultural phenomena,” (their words) including Chris Crocker and NORA the Piano Playing Cat. The medium made it possible for this content to reach millions of people but what is the cultural benefit?

Here’s a line directly from the release:

Otters holding hands – What is cuter than otters? Otters holding hands, of course! This YouTube video rocketed to fame on the strength of its sheer adorableness, making it the #2 Most Watched Pets & Animals video of all time.

This is not to say that TV doesn’t have its share of worthless content, 22 minutes of A Shot at Love is at least as mind numbing as Paris in Jail, but there are very few examples of original user-generated content that enriches and offers societal benefit, or artistic originality.

Here’s hoping for more worthwhile original online video in 2008.