Threads tests “Dear Algo” — a new way to tell the algorithm what you want

Meta is experimenting with a feature inspired by user posts that start with “Dear Algo.” When users write “Dear Algo” at the start of a post, Threads will treat that as an AI‑powered signal to show more or less of the requested content in the user’s feed for up to three days, according to posts from Mark Zuckerberg and Threads head Connor Hayes.

The test is limited and technical details are scarce: Meta hasn’t said how broadly it will roll out the feature or how it will parse and weight requests. Connor Hayes noted that public profiles’ requests can be seen by others, who may connect or repost the request — which makes this both a personalization tool and a social cue.

Why it matters

• Direct feedback loop: If effective, “Dear Algo” could make personalization feel more transparent and user‑driven compared with buried in‑app settings.
• Signal quality and abuse risk: Public posts are noisy and easy to game; sarcasm, mass reposting or coordinated campaigns could degrade the usefulness of the signal.
• Privacy and transparency: How Threads stores and interprets these posts, and whether users can opt out, will be key questions for civil‑society groups and regulators.

Context

Threads has grown rapidly since its 2023 launch, hitting 400 million monthly active users in August 2025 and 150 million daily active users in October. Any algorithm tweak at that scale could materially affect what large numbers of users see in their feeds.

What to watch next

• Official docs from Meta clarifying how the “Dear Algo” signals are parsed and whether the test is opt‑in.
• Early user reports from test groups on whether the feed noticeably changes and how communities react.
• Responses from privacy advocates about data retention, transparency and potential for manipulation.

For the original announcement, check Threads and follow updates from Meta executives for technical details: Threads.

Discussion: Would you start a “Dear Algo” post to shape your feed, or do you prefer settings and private controls? What safeguards should be in place to prevent gaming or misuse?