Social media algorithms can be trained. By actively blocking or marking unwanted content as "not interested," users can transform their "for you" page from a source of distracting content into a valuable, curated feed of recommended information.
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Relying solely on a chronological feed of followed accounts limits growth. The "For You" page, despite its pitfalls, is a powerful discovery tool. The ideal strategy involves using both: a curated feed for engagement and a discovery algorithm for finding new, compelling voices.
Social media algorithms amplify negativity by optimizing for "revealed preference" (what you click on, e.g., car crashes). AI models, however, operate on aspirational choice (what you explicitly ask for). This fundamental difference means AI can reflect a more complex and wholesome version of humanity.
When a social platform like LinkedIn introduces a new feature, such as "comment impressions," it's a direct signal of what behavior the algorithm will now favor. Prioritizing and testing these new features immediately can lead to outsized reach as you align with the platform's strategic goals.
Users can now manually add or remove interest categories to customize their feed algorithm. This allows creators with a well-defined niche to be directly recommended to users who have explicitly expressed interest in that topic, leveling the playing field for smaller accounts to get discovered.
To remain effective, it's crucial to manage information consumption. The goal is to be aware of world events without drowning in them to the point of paralysis. Tools that create friction, like app blockers, can help maintain this balance and preserve the mental capacity for meaningful action.
Social media algorithms value time spent more than passive engagement like "likes." To increase your visibility with target prospects, engage in back-and-forth conversations in their direct messages. This signals to the algorithm that your relationship is important, making it more likely your content will appear in their feed.
As feeds become saturated, relying on shares for discovery is insufficient. Your ideal followers are actively searching for solutions. Optimizing profiles and posts with keywords to answer their questions is a more reliable and underrated path to being discovered.
Instead of reactively trying to please algorithms, proactively identify the best 'doorways'—specific platforms and content formats—to reach your ideal audience. This shifts the focus from chasing reach to strategically choosing where you appear and how you present your brand.
Pinterest reframed its AI goal from maximizing view time based on instinctual reactions (System 1) to promoting content based on deliberate user actions like saves (System 2). This resulted in self-help and DIY content surfacing over enraging material, making users feel better after using the platform.
When social media reach and engagement decline, it's easy to blame the platform's algorithm. However, the more productive mindset is to see it as a reflection of your content's declining quality or relevance. The algorithm isn't hurting everyone, it's hurting those who aren't good. The solution is to improve your craft, innovate, and adapt to cultural trends.
