Threads will let users speak to the algorithm
Threads, the social media platform developed by Meta, is currently testing an innovative feature called “Dear Algo,” which empowers users to directly influence their content recommendations. This new functionality allows users to craft posts prefixed with “dear algo,” specifying their content preferences. For example, a user might request, “Dear algo, show me more book recommendations,” or express a desire to see less of something that doesn’t resonate with them, such as “Dear algo, stop showing me basketball updates; my team is bad and it makes me sad.” This feature aims to enhance user engagement by allowing individuals to curate their feeds more actively, thereby tailoring their online experience to their interests.
Conor Hayes, the head of Threads, explained that when users employ the “Dear Algo” feature, their requests will influence their feed for a temporary period of three days. While this adjustment won’t permanently alter the algorithm, it provides a unique opportunity for users to engage with content they enjoy and encourages the algorithm to learn from these preferences over time. It’s also worth noting that these requests are public, giving users the chance to connect with friends and followers who may share similar interests or want to engage in discussions about their content preferences. This communal aspect of the feature not only fosters interaction but also allows users to gain insights into what their peers are interested in, promoting a more connected and personalized social media experience.
The inspiration for “Dear Algo” stems from user-generated requests on the app, as noted by Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta. This feature is still in the testing phase, meaning that not all users will have immediate access, but there are plans to roll it out more broadly in the near future. As Threads continues to evolve, this approach to user-driven content curation could set a precedent for how social media platforms engage with their audiences, making the experience more collaborative and user-focused. By giving users a voice in the algorithmic process, Threads is not only enhancing individual user satisfaction but also paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive social media landscape.
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.”
