In a significant shift for social media customization, Meta has launched a new artificial intelligence tool for its Threads platform.
This innovative feature allows users to manually override their recommendation algorithms using simple text commands, effectively moving away from the industry standard of purely automated content delivery.
The feature, titled “Dear Algo,” represents a fundamental change in how social media giants manage content discovery.
Rather than relying solely on passive data—such as clicks, likes, and watch time—the system now invites users to issue direct instructions to the platform’s underlying code.
This transition marks a more transparent era of user-controlled digital experiences.
To trigger the change, users must publish a public post starting with the phrase “Dear Algo,” followed by their specific content preferences.
For instance, a user seeking more audio-related content might post: “Dear Algo, show me more posts about podcasts.”
Once the post is shared, the platform’s AI processes the request and recalibrates the user’s feed almost instantly to reflect their stated interests.
Regarding the vision for the tool, a Meta spokesperson explained that they want Dear Algo to make Threads feel more personal, whether a user is following trending topics or exploring niche interests.
Furthermore, they noted that it is another way the company is helping people find the latest conversations that are specifically relevant to them at any given moment.
While traditional algorithms typically learn over long periods, this new tool is designed specifically for the “in the moment” experience.
Consequently, once a request is made, the adjustment lasts for a three-day duration—exactly 72 hours—before the feed reverts to its standard settings.
Interestingly, the feature also includes a social element where users can repost a “Dear Algo” request from someone else to instantly adopt that person’s feed preferences as their own.
The feature is currently being rolled out across several major global markets to ensure a smooth transition for the community.
As of today, “Dear Algo” is available to users in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Additionally, the company has confirmed it intends to introduce the feature to more countries in the near future.
This move comes as social media platforms face increasing pressure to provide transparency regarding how AI selects the content shown to billions of users daily.
By making the algorithm “addressable,” Threads appears to be betting on a more collaborative relationship between the user and the machine, offering a new level of agency in the digital age.