Understanding Social Media Algorithms

The internet is a space where you explore new ideas, watch videos, and stay connected. However, have you wondered why you keep seeing the same kinds of content on your social media? Or have you realised your feed always agrees with what you already think?

That’s not luck nor coincidence. It’s the algorithm at work.

What is ‘Algorithm’?

An algorithm is a set of rules that decides what you see online. Every time you like, search, pause, comment, or share something, the algorithm learns your preferences. Along with your data like age, gender, and location, social media and video streaming platforms can give you a personalised experience.

This is also why your feed can be very different from your parent’s feed, despite using the same app. While the algorithm brings about personalisation and convenience, it is not always a good thing.

How Can the Algorithm Affect Me?

Different platforms have different algorithms. You do not need to understand how it works to recognise the impact it can have on you. Algorithms can:

Lead To Screen Dependency

Algorithms are designed to keep you engaged, causing you to scroll for longer than what you have planned. The more you interact with content, the better it gets at predicting what you'll like. Spending more time online can cause you to lose track of other activities offline like spending time with family, enjoying sports with friends or focusing on work or school.

Narrow Your Views

The algorithm can trap you in a filter bubble, where it continually shows you content that aligns with your existing views. This can limit your exposure to new ideas and different viewpoints. Over time, this can also reinforce your current beliefs and contribute to a skewed, one-sided perspective on the world.

How Can I Control My Social Media Algorithm?

Your feed isn’t fixed. The way you interact with your feed, along with settings you choose, can influence your algorithm.

Be Intentional With How You Engage With Your Feed

• Think before you like, share, or comment because your interactions will shape your feed.
• Follow a mix of accounts that offer balanced and diverse perspectives.
• Flag posts as "not interested" when the content gets too repetitive.
• Report and block inappropriate or harmful content (e.g. sexual content, misinformation, violent content) that makes you feel uncomfortable to prevent similar content from being recommended.

Reset and Refresh Your Feed

• Reset your feed and content preferences on your social media apps. (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)
• Personalise your suggested content using in-app features. (Instagram, TikTok)
• Clear your search and watch history. (YouTube)
• Review ad preferences to limit how personalised ads are based on your activity. (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)

Build Better Screen Use Habits

• Use built-in tools like Screen Time (iOS) or Digital Wellbeing (Android) to track how much time you spend online, and which apps take up most of it.
• Set time limits on apps to help you take breaks from endless content.

Make Sense of What You See

• Discuss issues and opinions you encounter online with family and friends to hear different viewpoints.
• Think about how the content you see make you feel.

Want more tips and tools to build healthier digital habits? Come along and Scroll Smart, Surf Safe with us.