Meta Just Made “Dear Algo” Posts Official on Threads

Threads users found a weird workaround. Meta turned it into a feature.

For months, people complained about Threads’ recommendation algorithm showing them posts they didn’t want. So they started writing posts addressed directly to the algorithm itself. Things like “Dear algo, show me more cat videos” or “Dear algo, stop with the crypto posts.”

Turns out, Meta was paying attention. Now those “dear algo” posts actually work.

How “Dear Algo” Posts Work Now

Meta officially added this as a feature. You can write posts that start with “dear algo” to control what shows up in your feed.

For example, write “Dear algo, show me more posts about sous vide recipes.” The algorithm will adjust your recommendations accordingly. Plus, you can request less of certain topics too. “Dear algo, stop showing me posts about air fryers” tells the system to dial back that content.

Here’s the interesting part. You can retweet other users’ “dear algo” posts. Those topics will then influence your own feed. So if your friend writes “Dear algo, show me more gardening tips” and you retweet it, your feed will start showing more gardening content too.

The Catch: It’s Temporary

These adjustments only last three days. After that, your feed returns to its previous state. So you’ll need to write new “dear algo” posts regularly if you want sustained changes.

Meta says this prevents permanent feed changes based on fleeting interests. Makes sense. Your brief obsession with bread baking shouldn’t dominate your feed forever.

Where It Works Right Now

The feature launched in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Meta promises more countries “soon” but didn’t specify when.

That rollout strategy mirrors most Threads features. Meta tests in English-speaking markets first. Then expands globally once they iron out issues.

Why This Matters

Most social platforms hide recommendation controls behind complex settings menus. Meta took user behavior and made it dead simple instead.

Users were already doing this organically. They assumed writing to the algorithm might work. So Meta validated that instinct and formalized it.

But here’s what bugs me. Why does this only last three days? Users clearly want more control over their feeds. Temporary adjustments feel like a halfway solution.

Still, it’s better than nothing. And it shows Meta actually listens to how people use Threads. Even when that usage seems ridiculous at first.

Your move, other social platforms. Will you let users talk directly to your algorithms too?