Social media algorithms often operate invisibly, shaping the content users encounter without direct input. On the Threads platform, some individuals have begun addressing these systems directly by including 'dear algo' in their updates, seeking adjustments to their personalized streams. Recent announcements indicate that such appeals could soon influence visibility on the app.
Meta's chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, shared details on this development via a social media update. The platform intends to introduce an experimental tool that responds to these phrases. Threads' leader, Connor Hayes, elaborated in his own message, describing it as an AI-driven capability currently in limited rollout. By incorporating 'Dear Algo' into a message, users can signal preferences for increased or decreased exposure to specific topics, with effects lasting as long as three days. For accounts set to public, these prompts become visible to others, who may engage, share, or discuss them.
This initiative highlights the value placed on user suggestions, originating from lighthearted interactions. Since launching in 2023, Threads has expanded quickly, boasting 400 million monthly active users by August 2025 and hitting 150 million daily active users in October of that year.