Im old enough for pre you tube. No one taught me to cook. I stopped eating meat and dairy pre 18 years old and either had to learn myself or eat crap stuff.
I started with a few cook books and simple stuff. Made the same thing over and over again and refine it, like a stir fry. What I learned then translates to the next thing.
I try to learn a few “new” dishes or techniques every year and its built up over 20+ years…
That looks like a shallow crack. If the shower is constructed appropriately there is a moisture barrier behind it that does the real water proofing work.
If the shower is appropriately built then the moisture barrier is probably fine and will keep doing its job. I’d buy some white caulk and seal it up, or better yet an epoxy unsanded grout from a tile shop that matches the color (comes in a tube like caulking).
If the crack gets worse over time after sealing, then it might indicate some shifting or defective installation.
Could be something as small as insufficient mortar behind the tile as it was applied. If you tap the area and hear a hollow sound that could be an indication of insufficient mortar coverage. If you dont, then it could indicate some settling or shifting in the backer substrate, at which point id try to get in behind that wall and see what’s up.
Im not an expert but I’ve rebuilt three showers DIY so just sharing what I’ve learned educating myself on how to do it right.
Thanks for your perspective, I think you are spot on. After studying abroad in China 20 years ago the propaganda we have here is converging on being as overt as what I saw there. Hopefully enough Americans course correct before it gets worse.