Threads will let users speak to the algorithm

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 on the algorithm with the note “dear algo” asking to see more or less of a certain thing. For example, you can post “Dear Algorithm, show me more book recommendations” or “Dear Algorithm, stop showing me basketball updates, my team is bad and it makes me sad.” »

Conor Hayes, director of Threads, said in a post on the site on December 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 for up to three days. If your profile is public, people can see your request, contact you about it, or repost it,” Hayes wrote. “This is just a test, so not everyone will have access to it now, but we are working to roll it out more widely soon.”

Then the feed responds by showing you what you requested for the next three days. This won’t change your feed entirely (or forever), but the temporary change will allow you to engage with the content you love and that engagement will help refine your algorithm in the long run.

It’s important to note that these posts are public – so they also let all your friends and followers know what you want to see more or less of.

Mark Zuckerberg, head of Meta, wrote that the new feature was “inspired” by people on the app “who made ‘dear son algo’ requests.”