Social media algorithms and feeling happy

    

I'm old enough to remember Facebook (even though I resisted getting an account )  that only showed updates from your contacts. But with the advent of ads and the need to retain users watching those adds, FB started showing "suggested posts" from people or groups you didn't know. Since rage is apparently the best emotion to keep you engaged, almost all the algorithms will try to show content that will do that. I see it on Facebook and Reddit (don't have an X account), not so much on Youtube or Instagram, and it's basically showing you a whole lot of people doing things wrong or from the opposite side of your political spectrum so you can correct them or explain they are wrong. This, of course, doesn't end well, as people are naturally resistant to being told they are wrong, and some, with a certain level of education or below will even lash out if told a truth that inconveniences their beliefs. Unsettling, I know, but because you write more on this type of post than the solitary, like when you give a picture of some kittens or a Labrador nestling next to a corgi, that's what we get. 

   Of course some of you will have already cut off social media because of this; I've even considered it myself. The thing is I do like to keep in touch with family that's overseas, friends, and ex-coworkers. I've even made some new friends from a professional FB group and now get to see sunrise pictures from Israel or North Carolina and photos of wildlife from South Africa on my feed. 

    Is there a way round all the aggravation brought on by the infamous algorithm? Yes, but it takes some moderate effort; it means curating your own feed. Don't just scroll that endless crap; go to selected groups, profiles, and pages that meet your expectations. Like and comment on those. If you want to know more about the YouTube algorithm, check out the video at the beginning of this post. 

Another theory I saw on Reddit was that a while ago (like 20 years ago) you needed a PC and internet connection, and not just anyone had that, so the public you encountered online was probably a bit more educated to begin with, but the advent of smartphones and cheap mobile and broadband internet meant everyone now has a say, even people that in the old days would tell their stories (and conspiracy theories) to the local pub, making the village idiot a now global content creator. I don't dispute that; I'm sure it's a factor (in addition to the algortihm but for sure avoided by the strategy above (good-quality FB groups will kick such members at the first sign of trouble even if they pass the questionnaire).  Anyway, if you spot one, I'd just suggest blocking him; it's way less effort than trying to educate him. In fact, as a rule in life, don't try to educate people who don't ask for it; it rarely turns out well. Knowing you need education is a first step not many are prepared to make.