Will Meta's Dear Algo Combat or Encourage Doomscrolling?

Meta is piloting a new AI feature on Threads that invites users to type 'Dear Algo' in a public thread, followed by a short prompt describing the topics or content they want more or less of in their algorithm.

Others can repost a Dear Algo request to receive a similarly curated feed. Posts shown because of a request will include a label that explains why they are appearing.

What Meta says

Connor Hayes, Meta’s Head of Threads, outlines the project: “Starting today, Dear Algo is rolling out in the US to help make your algorithm work for you.

“Personalising your feed should be an intuitive part of the experience, so we’ve made it as simple as posting what you want to see more or less of, right now. Excited to see people try it and repost others’ requests to discover new conversations.”

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg credited the community for the idea: “Inspired by all of you who started ‘dear threads algo’ requests, we’re going to test a new feature where if you post ‘Dear Algo’ it will actually put more of that content in your feed.”

Requests can be rejected

Requests are not approved automatically, as Connor explains: "We will reject requests for a handful of reasons. The biggest two being that one, you asked for more of something that’s not allowed or not recommendable on the app, and two, you asked for something where we don’t have enough content yet.”

Once approved, feeds should update within minutes. They apply for three days, with launches under way in the US, New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

Each Dear Algo preference applies for three days by default, a setting Meta says could change as testing continues. Engagement remains a key signal.

“If you engage with lots of the content that we show you, it should teach the main algo that you want to see that on an ongoing basis,” Connor goes on. 

“If people repost your Dear Algo post, they will effectively be asking Threads for the same change.”

Many hope the new AI-powered feature could prevent doomscrolling for users, who will, in theory, see more of their preferred content without having to scroll past other content. 

Meta’s personalisation push

Dear Algo forms part of a broader effort to give users clearer control over what they see.

In December 2025, Instagram introduced Your Algorithm, an AI-powered tool designed to return more choice to viewers.

Meta says signals generated when users interact with Meta AI are now used to personalise ads as well, indicating a wider shift toward user-directed experiences across its platforms.

“We want Dear Algo to make Threads feel more personal, whether you are following trending topics or exploring niche interests,” Meta said in a launch note.

“It is another way we are helping you find the latest conversations that are relevant to you.”

Dear Algo is available now in the US, New Zealand, Australia and the UK, with plans to expand to more countries soon.