Consciously or unconsciously we interact with algorithms daily. They have taken on a fundamental role in the way we discover content on the internet, but as their influence has become increasingly evident, even generating a frustrating experience, many users are seeking to deliberately manipulate the activity of the algorithm so that it shows them what they really want to see. And the new Threads functionality is a reflection of this trend.

Meta has released “Dear Something” for its microblogging network. This is a feature based on artificial intelligence that allows users to gain greater control over what they see in their feed at any given time. It is inspired, precisely, by the habit acquired by platform users in recent months. These have directly appealed to the Threads algorithm in their publications to try to influence the content received.

This was explained at the end of last year by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta. “Inspired by all of you who were sending requests with ‘dear Threads algorithm’, we are going to test a new feature where if you post “wanted something” it will put more of that content in your feed“, he commented on the platform itself.

When searching Threads about the use of the term “dear something,” many posts are related to requests to limit AI-generated content. Other users, on the other hand, ask that the algorithm show them more content related to sports, their favorite television programs, or connect them with people with whom they can share interests.

To use “Dear Something” just write the phrase in a public post in Threads, followed by the type of content you want to see more or less of. As the company explains, if a user, for example, wants to receive more content about podcasts, they must write “Dear something, show me more posts about podcasts.”

Once the request is made, the feature adjusts the content of the feed for three days, so you can stay aware of, or avoid, the most recent conversations. In addition, the functionality also applies to the “repost” action, so a user can republish another user’s request to the algorithm so that it is applied to their own preferences.

“We want ‘Dear Something’ to make Threads more personal, whether you’re following trending topics or exploring specific interests. It’s another way to help you find the latest conversations that interest you“, they say from Meta in a statement regarding the new functionality.

“Dear Something” was already available in testing format in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and is now also released in the United States. The company plans to expand the scope of the tests to collect user feedback and consider the option of officially launching the functionality.

This is not the first tool that Meta has developed to give users greater control over their feeds. What’s more, the main social networks and digital platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, have this type of options, although they are normally based on establishing a series of parameters in the personal configuration of the application. The main difference is that Threads makes those user preferences visible, by making them through public posts.

The development of the functionality is part of a series of recent changes made to Threads. Among them, the appointment of Connor Hayes as head of the platform, whose management was under Adam Mosseri, who heads Instagram, until last July. This denotes Meta’s interest in greater independence between both platforms.

As pointed out The Vergethe company’s focus regarding Threads, which exceeds 400 million monthly active users, is to make it more timely, dynamic and essential in people’s daily lives. Meta began showing ads globally on Threads last month.