One click and the social media algorithm starts to study you. It begins suggesting things it thinks you’d like. It starts pushing you in new directions. It’s trying to serve you, but also trap you. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about that pesky social media algorithm and how to make it work FOR you, not against you as a dad.
Why This Matters
Algorithms try to keep your attention and steal your time away from what matters most.
Define It
The social media algorithm is the behind-the-scenes brain that sorts through all the noise and tries to deliver a personalized feed of content it thinks you'll like.
Things Social Media Algorithms Do
- Explore your potential interests: They analyze popular trends and feeds them to you in an attempt to broaden your horizons.
- Move you beyond your immediate network: By suggesting posts from accounts you don't follow, platforms help content “go viral."
- Steer you toward high-engagement content: If a post is getting a lot of likes, shares, and comments in a short amount of time, the visibility gets boosted to a wider audience.
How To Train Your Algorithm
1. Engage authentically.
Only like, share, and comment on content you genuinely care about.
2. Follow intentionally.
Be mindful of who you follow, because algorithms assume you like similar things.
3. Explore mindfully.
Using ‘Explore’ or ‘For You’ search aids collects data about your interests.
4. Watch the clock.
The longer you spend viewing content, the more social media algorithms assume you’re interested. Don’t linger.
5. Use platform features.
Block, mute, or hit ‘not interested’ to refine your online experience.
Important Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 00:21 | Kicking Off the Conversation
00:21 – 02:20 | Instagram and Pornography
02:20 – 05:23 | What Are Algorithms Really Doing?
05:23 – 07:45 | Algorithms Get Smarter Every Year
07:45 – 09:35 | Screen Time by Generation
09:35 – 11:13 | Problems with Social Media Algorithms
11:13 – 14:40 | Personal Reflections on Algorithm Impact
14:40 – 19:13 | Training the Algorithm to Work for You
19:13 – 23:59 | Boundaries, Self-Discipline, and Accountability
24:00 – End | Pro M
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