Threads will let users speak to the algorithm
In an innovative move to enhance user experience, Threads is currently testing a new feature called “Dear algo,” which empowers users to directly influence their recommendation algorithm. This feature allows users to make specific requests to the algorithm by posting messages prefixed with “dear algo.” For example, users can express their preferences by writing, “Dear algo, show me more book recommendations” or “Dear algo, stop showing me basketball updates; my team is bad and it makes me sad.” This initiative aims to create a more personalized feed, catering to individual interests and preferences, and is part of Threads’ broader strategy to improve user engagement on the platform.
Conor Hayes, the head of Threads, shared insights into this feature on December 3, emphasizing that it is currently in a testing phase. When users utilize the “Dear algo” feature, their requests will influence their feed for a temporary period of three days. This means that while the changes are not permanent, they offer users a chance to engage with content that aligns more closely with their interests, potentially refining their algorithm in the long run. It’s important to note that these requests are public, allowing friends and followers to see what users want more or less of, fostering a sense of community and conversation around shared interests. Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, noted that this feature was inspired by user-generated requests on the app, highlighting the platform’s responsiveness to its community’s desires.
As Threads continues to develop and refine its features, the “Dear algo” initiative represents a significant shift towards user-centric content curation. By allowing users to tailor their feeds actively, Threads is not only enhancing user satisfaction but also encouraging a more interactive and engaged community. This approach could potentially set a new standard for social media platforms, where user preferences are prioritized, making the digital experience more enjoyable and relevant. With plans to roll out this feature more broadly in the future, Threads is positioning itself as a platform that listens to its users and adapts to their needs, marking an exciting development in the realm of social media personalization.
Threads
is testing a new way for users to manipulate their own recommendation algorithm.
The feature, aptly called “Dear algo,” allows users to post a message to the algorithm with the note “dear algo” asking to see more or less of a certain thing. For instance, you might post “Dear algo, show me more book recommendations” or “Dear algo, stop showing me basketball updates my team is bad and it makes me sad.”
Conor Hayes, the head of Threads,
said in a post on the site on Dec. 3
that the platform is “testing a new AI feature to help you personalize your feed.”
“When people add ‘Dear Algo’ to a post, it will tell your feed what you want to see more or less of for up to three days. If your profile is public, people can see your request, connect with you about it, or repost it,” Hayes wrote. “This is just a test, so not everyone will have access now, but we’re working on rolling it out more broadly soon.”
Then, the feed responds by showing you what you asked for for the next three days. This won’t change your feed entirely (or forever) but the temporary change will allow you to engage with content you like and that engagement will help refine your algorithm in the long term.
It’s important to note that these posts are public — so it also informs all your friends and followers what you want to see more or less of.
Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta,
wrote that the new feature was
“inspired” by people on the app “who started ‘dear threads algo’ requests.”
