Meta launches Dear Algo on Threads to let users personalize feeds with AI-powered prompts

Meta Introduces AI-Powered Feed Control on Threads

Meta has launched Dear Algo, an AI-powered feature that gives Threads users a new way to personalize the Threads feed through direct communication with the platform's content-recommendation algorithms1

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. The tool allows users to craft public posts beginning with the phrase "Dear Algo" followed by written prompts that specify what content they want to see more or less of, similar to how people interact with chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT2

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. Once published, the Dear Algo request adjusts the user's feed for three days, with Meta citing a desire to keep users "connected to the most current conversations"1

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A Meta spokesperson revealed the company was inspired by an existing trend of users publicly sharing posts with the phrase "Dear Algo" in attempts to influence content recommendations2

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. The feature also enables users to repost someone else's Dear Algo request, effectively applying their content preferences to their own feed2

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. This makes feed tuning temporary, shareable, and driven by explicit user input rather than long-term engagement signals alone3

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Testing Reveals Mixed Results for Threads Recommendation System

Meta has rolled out Dear Algo in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans for a global rollout to additional markets2

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. However, early testing by MediaNama using a UK-based account showed inconsistent results in the Threads recommendation system3

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. When a user posted "dear algo give me more luxury content," the feature initially delivered more UK-based English posts about luxury products, but the algorithm subsequently began adding several posts in Tagalog, a language from the Philippines3

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Meta provided limited examples of how specific Dear Algo commands can be, mentioning only general requests like showing more posts about a current NBA game or podcasts1

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. The company did not clarify whether users could prompt the system to exclude posts expressing certain viewpoints or mute spoilers about specific television episodes1

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. This AI algorithm personalization feature remains exclusive to Threads, with no announced plans to bring it to Instagram or Facebook1

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Mark Zuckerberg's Vision for Personal Superintelligence

The Dear Algo launch coincides with Meta's ambitious AI strategy outlined during its Q4 FY25 earnings call. Mark Zuckerberg stated that the company plans to integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) directly into the recommendation systems powering Facebook, Instagram, Threads and its advertising systems3

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. Zuckerberg described today's recommendation systems as "primitive compared to what will be possible soon," envisioning platforms where users encounter "an AI that understands you" rather than simple algorithms3

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This vision involves building what Zuckerberg calls "personal superintelligence" that interprets personal context, including user history, interests, content and relationships to shape feeds, ads and commerce around individual goals3

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. Meta plans to spend between $115 billion and $135 billion in 2026 on AI-related capital expenditures, nearly double last year's spending when the company overhauled its AI unit2

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. The company also announced plans to build a massive 1 GW AI datacenter in Lebanon, Indiana1

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User Preference Data and Advertising Implications

The introduction of Dear Algo raises questions about how Meta will leverage the structured user preference data generated through these explicit written prompts3

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. While the feature appears to give users more control over their user experience, it simultaneously generates rich signals about interests, dislikes and intent that Meta's systems can interpret at scale3

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. This development comes as Meta has expanded advertising on Threads to users in all markets worldwide, with the platform now serving as a testing ground for the company's broader AI ambitions3

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Threads, launched in July 2023 to compete against X (formerly Twitter), reached 400 million monthly active users in January and began its global rollout of advertising2

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. Meta's algorithms have faced controversy for years over alleged racial bias, prioritizing divisive content, and promoting material that may radicalize users1

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. The ability to tweak feed preferences through Dear Algo may help address some user concerns, though the temporary three-day window and unclear specificity limits leave questions about the feature's long-term impact on content moderation and user satisfaction.