I believe I get a better understanding of "what's going on" by watching, visually, "what's going on," from the people enduring all this---rather than relying solely on news reports. Not saying that news reports are useless.....but I believe it would paint a fuller picture of what's going on if they were supplemented by people giving anecdotal accounts of what's going on.
Unfortunately, there is more room for bias within the YouTube medium.....but I like to think that I am able to sift through the bullcrap and get at the heart of the matter through various media. YouTube is a great resource, when used properly. No, I don't formulate opinions merely through watching YouTube videos. I also let Google "be my friend."
If I don't actually see refugees enduring what they are enduring, what they are "going through" becomes too abstract. I don't feel as much of the full impact of what they are enduring. Thus, I wouldn't be able to fully commiserate with them with relative understanding.