I think a lot of us forget that we actually control our own algorithms, and sometimes we curate algorithms that simply hold our attention for so long because we want to see things we like!

However, if you’re looking for a change or want to start over and receive content that’s actually informative or helpful, then this is the guide for you. Today I’ll break down a few things you can do right now to fix your algorithms and create more breathable and productive scrolling sessions.

Now remember, scrolling itself isn’t exactly the healthiest thing. You’re training your brain to only accept quick dopamine transactions, meaning longer forms of entertainment or education will bore you because you’re used to quick “hits” of dopamine every 15-45 seconds

But, I also think having some connection to social media is still important in today’s world (rather than deleting everything), especially since everything is growing online. It’s not essential to succeed or survive, but in my opinion it really helps! So, what comes with that is knowing where and how to limit yourself to prevent overconsumption of content (especially content with no real value besides entertainment).

Without further ado, let’s look at some fixes!

So, I’m not sure how many platforms actually provide this feature, but Instagram does, and it happens to be one of the biggest players in the industry. Instagram offers the option to reset your feed entirely for a fresh start, so you can like initial posts and reels to determine future content.

Now, there is a caveat to be aware of here. When you reset your page, the first things you interact with are ESSENTIAL for what you will see next. The algorithm will be very sensitive to what you like and will shape your feed around those initial likes, so tread carefully.

Don’t just like things willy-nilly because you’ll more than likely just end up where you started. Scroll consciously, and more importantly, like consciously. This will ensure that you’re getting more valuable content consistently. If you like a reel about some wellness tips, you’ll get more content like that.

Hearted a video of some brain rot content? Game over. Okay, not actually, but don’t start liking useless content too early in the game (or at all to be honest).

If I’m being totally honest, I didn’t know this existed for a longgg time. I accidently pressed the three circles on a short form video and then I saw the option to press “Not interested”. Since then I’ve been using it to alter my feed a little bit, and it works with some persistence.

The good thing here is that a lot of platforms actually support this “Not interested” feature so you can use it almost anywhere. With this button, however, you should not use it sparingly. If you hit “Not interested” on one car video, it does not ensure that you’ll never get a car video again, you probably just won’t get one in that specific niche or sub-category.

To completely get rid of a niche or style of content, you have to be persistent with using the “Not interested” button. Using it on a similar theme of content tells the algorithm you probably don’t want that content anymore.

It is also kind of luck based because you could just get another similar niche that you don’t like, and then you’d have to continue hitting “Not interested”, so I wouldn’t rely on this to find new content, but rather to get rid of the content you don’t want to watch.

One of the best indicators for the algorithm to find what you like is who you follow and what they post. If I follow a bunch of fitness pages the algorithm will know I’m into fitness and will probably suggest me that content. If I follow a variety of people, it will probably sprinkle it all in and find which ones I interact with most.

So, if you no longer want the content you’re getting, check who you’re following and what they post. It’s as easy as that!

There are other ways to support creators, you don’t have to follow them!

So, it seems like social media platforms are starting to take more notice of what you actually save. Basically, most platforms offer a “save” feature so you can have a place to revisit posts or videos you really liked and wanted to see again. I save quite a few things and it does play a role on my feed, but I think it’ll be integrated more into the algorithm.

So, the key here is to start saving content that is 1. useful to you and 2. not just entertainment. If you just save things that are funny or entertaining then the algorithm will just hurdle more entertainment your way and before you know it you’re back in the dopamine loop.

I’d also suggest unsaving content that you longer want to see, effectively cleaning out your “saved” space. I’m not sure how big a role this plays but it could be beneficial for you since you can no longer access that content again. If you leave it there you risk interacting with it again and setting off the algorithm (like an alarm).

I was controlled by my algorithm for quite some time, and the only thing that brought me out of it was screen time, though this was a while ago. Since then, I’ve kept the screen time but implemented some of these changes to alter my page to steer away from the brain rot content I was getting (it was pretty bad).

My two favorite strategies were saving/unsaving videos and the “Not interested” button. I now get more normal content and I actually get more educational and useful content. I learn some things in a day that I would’ve never known if I hadn’t cleaned my algorithm.

Also remember that this may not be a “one and done” type deal. You may have to come back to clean your algorithm every so often to prevent yourself from reaching bad content. Look at like a car. It helps you get from A to B, but it does need a tune up and fix every now and then. Your algorithm is important, it decides how long you’ll be on the app and what you’ll get out of it. Take back control of what see you!

Feel free to email me at any time! ❤

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