19:48Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Instagram head Adam Mosseri: Chronological feeds reduce engagement by up to 50%
“Instagram” head Adam Mosseri said that a chronological feed creates a worse experience for the average user. This feed displays the newest posts first. An algorithmic feed, by contrast, ranks posts according to the user’s interests. According to Mosseri, abandoning the algorithm reduces engagement on the platform. He made the remarks as a new rule for social networks was being proposed in Australia.
A new proposal called “My Feed, My Way” would require social media platforms to allow users to see posts only from accounts they follow. Companies that fail to comply with the rule could face a fine of 109.2 million Australian dollars. The proposal is intended to prevent the algorithmic feed from being the mandatory default option. According to Mosseri, a chronological feed fills up with numerous posts from companies, brands, and media organizations. These accounts post more frequently than friends do. As a result, posts from content creators and then posts from friends are pushed into the background. Mosseri says engagement falls by up to 50% in this mode and users spend less time on the platform. He considers those who prefer a chronological feed to be a vocal minority. “Instagram” currently gives all users the option to view only posts from accounts they follow in chronological order. However, each time the app is opened, the algorithmic feed once again becomes the default view. In the Netherlands, this option was introduced as required by law. Mosseri said the option was not deliberately hidden. At the same time, he acknowledged that it could be easier to find within the app. Critics say algorithms can promote extreme, harmful, and hateful content on platforms such as “Instagram,” “Facebook,” “TikTok,” and “X.” The concerns mainly involve the safety of minors, addiction, and polarization in society. “Meta” reached a $23 billion (approximately 39.1 billion manats) legal settlement with 29 US states. The company denies the allegation that addictive design harms the mental health of minors. One of the measures included in the settlement is giving US teenagers the option to switch from an algorithmic feed to a chronological feed. Mosseri made the remarks during the launch of the Australian version of the “Algo Talks” initiative. The project aims to explain how posts are ranked in the feed and how users can influence the content they see. A large language model, known as an LLM, forms the basis of the “Instagram” algorithm. Through the “Your Algorithm” button in the “Explore” and “Reels” sections, users can indicate which topics they like and dislike.
A new proposal called “My Feed, My Way” would require social media platforms to allow users to see posts only from accounts they follow. Companies that fail to comply with the rule could face a fine of 109.2 million Australian dollars. The proposal is intended to prevent the algorithmic feed from being the mandatory default option. According to Mosseri, a chronological feed fills up with numerous posts from companies, brands, and media organizations. These accounts post more frequently than friends do. As a result, posts from content creators and then posts from friends are pushed into the background. Mosseri says engagement falls by up to 50% in this mode and users spend less time on the platform. He considers those who prefer a chronological feed to be a vocal minority. “Instagram” currently gives all users the option to view only posts from accounts they follow in chronological order. However, each time the app is opened, the algorithmic feed once again becomes the default view. In the Netherlands, this option was introduced as required by law. Mosseri said the option was not deliberately hidden. At the same time, he acknowledged that it could be easier to find within the app. Critics say algorithms can promote extreme, harmful, and hateful content on platforms such as “Instagram,” “Facebook,” “TikTok,” and “X.” The concerns mainly involve the safety of minors, addiction, and polarization in society. “Meta” reached a $23 billion (approximately 39.1 billion manats) legal settlement with 29 US states. The company denies the allegation that addictive design harms the mental health of minors. One of the measures included in the settlement is giving US teenagers the option to switch from an algorithmic feed to a chronological feed. Mosseri made the remarks during the launch of the Australian version of the “Algo Talks” initiative. The project aims to explain how posts are ranked in the feed and how users can influence the content they see. A large language model, known as an LLM, forms the basis of the “Instagram” algorithm. Through the “Your Algorithm” button in the “Explore” and “Reels” sections, users can indicate which topics they like and dislike.