Meta has introduced a game-changing feature on Threads that lets you talk directly to the algorithm controlling your feed. Called “Dear Algo,” this AI-driven tool transforms the typically opaque recommendation system into something interactive and responsive. Instead of passively accepting what the algorithm serves you, you can now give it instructions in plain English—and it actually listens.
How It Works
The concept is refreshingly simple. Start a public Threads post with “Dear Algo” (or “Dear algo”), then tell the algorithm what you want to see more or less of. For example: “Dear Algo, show me more posts about basketball” or “Dear Algo, less about spoilers.”
Once you post, Threads’ AI interprets your request and adjusts your “For You” feed accordingly. This personalized tuning lasts for about three days, after which your feed gradually returns to normal unless you post another Dear Algo request. The changes only affect your personalized feed, not your following-only feed, and don’t alter which posts are visible to you or change any moderation rules.
What Makes It Useful
Temporary Control: The three-day window is perfect for managing short-term interests. Following a live event? Request more coverage. Avoiding spoilers for a show finale? Ask the algorithm to dial them back. This temporary nature means you’re not locked into permanent preferences that might outlive your actual interests.
Natural Language Interface: Unlike traditional “Not Interested” buttons or keyword filters, Dear Algo accepts conversational instructions. You’re not limited to precise keywords—you can request broader topics like “no movie spoilers” rather than trying to block individual terms.
Shareability: Here’s where it gets social. You can repost or share someone else’s Dear Algo post, and their preferences will apply to your feed for the same three-day period. This turns feed customization into shareable “recipes” across the network. If someone’s Dear Algo request resonates with you, one repost applies it to your own experience.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Be Specific But Not Too Specific: Request broader topics rather than granular keywords. The system works better with “show me more posts about cooking recipes” than trying to exclude individual hashtags.
Time It Strategically: Use Dear Algo when you have genuine short-term needs—major sports events, awards shows, conferences you’re following remotely, or when avoiding spoilers for popular releases.
Experiment and Iterate: The three-day duration means you can test different requests without worrying about permanently breaking your feed. Try various phrasings to see what works best.
Combine Preferences: While you can’t use multiple Dear Algo posts simultaneously (the newest one takes precedence), you can include multiple instructions in a single post by combining them naturally in your request.
Don’t Overthink Suppression: You can suppress unwanted topics like politics or specific TV show spoilers, giving you breathing room during particularly intense news cycles or cultural moments.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
The feature only adjusts content ranking—it doesn’t pin posts, change account visibility, or override moderation. It’s also limited to personalized content ranking, meaning it won’t create dramatic transformations if you primarily use the following-only feed.
The public nature of Dear Algo posts means anyone can see your requests. If you’re private about your interests, this might feel exposing. There’s also no way to layer multiple requests simultaneously; each new Dear Algo post overrides the previous one.
Who Should Use This
Dear Algo shines for active Threads users who want more responsive control over their experience. It’s particularly valuable if you:
- Follow live events and want heightened coverage during specific windows
- Need to avoid spoilers temporarily
- Experience “algorithm fatigue” from seeing too much of certain topics
- Want to explore new interests without permanently altering your feed
- Enjoy the social aspect of sharing content preferences with others
Dear Algo represents a meaningful step toward making social media algorithms more transparent and user-controllable. By letting users directly instruct the recommendation system in natural language, Meta addresses common frustrations about feeling powerless over what appears in feeds.
The three-day limitation is actually a strength—it encourages intentional, timely use rather than set-it-and-forget-it configurations that might become stale. The shareability adds a clever social dimension, turning feed management into a collaborative discovery tool.
While it won’t revolutionize your entire Threads experience, Dear Algo offers practical, time-limited control exactly when you need it. For users tired of algorithmic feeds that feel unresponsive to their actual interests, this feature provides a welcome middle ground between total algorithmic control and complete user autonomy.
Currently rolling out in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, with broader expansion planned, Dear Algo is worth experimenting with if you’re looking for more agency over your social media diet without the commitment of permanent filters.