What The Tech: How to reset your social media feeds
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
Most of us spend a lot of time on social media. Scrolling when we wake up. Scrolling again just before bed. And at some point, almost everyone asks the same question. Why doesn’t my feed feel anything like my real life?
That’s because social media platforms aren’t actually showing you what you like. They’re guessing. Every pause, scroll, tap, and accidental linger trains an algorithm. And sometimes, it learns the wrong thing.
The good news is, you can take back control with just a few taps. Here’s how to reset or retrain the algorithms on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
Instagram watches what you do more than what you say you like. Every time you pause on a Reel, Instagram assumes you want more of it. Even if you stopped because you were confused, annoyed, or slightly horrified.
To see and adjust what Instagram thinks you like:
1. Open the Instagram app
2. Go to Settings
3. Tap Content Preferences
4. Select “Your Algorithm”
You’ll see the topics Instagram believes you’re interested in. You can remove ones you’re tired of and reset suggested content for a fresh start.
As you make changes, the algorithm updates in real time. No waiting period. No reset button guilt.
How to Reset TikTok’s For You Feed
TikTok learns even faster than Instagram. Which is impressive. And a little unsettling.
To take control:
1. Open TikTok Settings
2. Go to Content Preferences
From here, you can block keywords, manage topics using sliders, or completely refresh your For You feed.
Refreshing the feed is basically telling TikTok, forget everything you think you know about me.
After that, what you watch, skip, or scroll past becomes the new training data.
How to Clean Up Your Facebook Feed
Facebook does not let you reset its algorithm. But you can change what you see when you open the app. Facebook just doesn’t make it easy to find.
Here’s the workaround:
1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Tab Bar
3. Select Customize
4. Find Feeds and pin it
Now when you open Facebook, you’ll see Feeds as a tab. Tap it and you’ll see posts in order.
Not boosted.
Not suggested.
Just people you actually know.
You’ll also see fewer ads and fewer pages you never followed in the first place.
The Big Takeaway
You don’t have to accept whatever social platforms decide to show you.
You can train, or retrain, the algorithm at any time.
Be intentional.
Watch what you actually like all the way through.
Skip what you don’t.
Because even lingering is a vote.
