Meta has introduced an official Threads feature that lets users modify algorithmic recommendations in real time by posting messages that begin with “dear algo,” a change that follows long‑standing user complaints and a meme that emerged on the platform.
Since Threads launched, users have repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the platform’s recommendation algorithm, noting that the feed often surfaces irrelevant content. Over time, the criticism evolved into a meme in which participants posted jokes addressed to the algorithm, explicitly requesting different content.
Meta now formalizes the practice. A post that starts with the phrase “dear algo” triggers a real‑time adjustment of the user’s feed. For instance, a user may write “dear algo, show me more posts about cute cats,” or “dear algo, stop showing me posts about sick pets” to reduce exposure to undesired topics.
Requests are recorded in the application’s settings, where users may revisit or delete individual entries. The interface also allows reposting another user’s “dear algo” message, causing the cited topics to influence the reposting user’s feed. Each request remains active for three days, a duration Meta says is intended to keep recommendations fresher and more flexible.
Meta states, “Dear algo” posts on Threads will change your recommendations for three days.”
The feature follows a limited test conducted late last year. It is being deployed to Threads users in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, with more countries coming soon.
