Meta’s social media platform Threads has introduced a new artificial intelligence feature called “Dear Algo,” allowing users to directly influence the content shown in their algorithmic feed. The feature, which began rolling out globally this week, provides a temporary mechanism for individuals to request more or less of specific types of posts.
How the Feature Functions
The “Dear Algo” tool is integrated within the Threads app. Users can access it by tapping the two-line menu icon on their feed and selecting the option. This opens a text field where they can type a request in plain language. For example, a user could write, “show me more posts about photography,” or “show me fewer political debates.” The system’s AI then interprets these requests and adjusts the user’s feed accordingly for a temporary period.
Meta has stated the adjustments are not permanent. The influence of a user’s request on the ranking algorithm will gradually fade over time unless reinforced. This design is intended to give users short-term control without completely overriding the platform’s long-term understanding of their interests.
Context and Platform Competition
The launch occurs as social media platforms increasingly focus on user-controlled customization. Rival services like X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky have also experimented with features that let users tweak their algorithmic timelines. Threads, which positions itself as a text-based conversation app, has seen rapid growth since its launch, with Meta reporting over 150 million monthly active users earlier this year.
Industry analysts note that feed transparency and user agency have become significant points of differentiation. Users and regulators have grown more concerned about opaque algorithms that dictate content visibility. Features like “Dear Algo” can be seen as a response to these demands for greater user input.
Technical Implementation and Privacy
According to a technical overview provided by Meta, the “Dear Algo” feature uses a large language model to parse the intent behind a user’s natural language request. This intent is then translated into signals that the platform’s core recommendation system can process to adjust content ranking. The company emphasized that the data from these requests is used to improve the user’s individual experience and is handled according to its existing data privacy policy.
The feature does not allow users to block specific accounts or topics permanently; it is designed for granular, temporary feed adjustments. It also does not affect the chronological “Following” feed, which shows posts from accounts a user follows in reverse order.
Expected Developments and Next Steps
Meta has indicated that “Dear Algo” is an early experiment in user-guided algorithmic control. The company plans to monitor usage patterns and feedback to refine the AI’s understanding and effectiveness. Based on this data, Meta may consider expanding the feature’s capabilities or making the adjustments more persistent based on explicit user preference. Wider availability to all Threads users is expected in the coming weeks, following the initial limited rollout.
Source: GeekWire
