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Curate your feed, or your feed creates you
How algorithms quietly reshape your reality
Parves Shahid
January 04, 2025
The algorithm is a monster.
Not any specific one. They're all equally nasty/intelligent.
But here's the terrifying part: it's not just watching. It's creating.
Let’s look at how it gets its sticky web around us.
The Algorithmic Trap:
Casual scroll into new territory
Algorithm notices your "interest"
Feed shifts subtly
New reality establishes
You become what you consume
Think it's dramatic? Let me show you how it happens:
You dive into a thread. Maybe politics. Maybe conspiracy theories. Maybe just drama. And after an intense bout of scrolling, you think: "Thank god I don't watch this stuff every day. I'd go nuts."
But you forget - Sauron's gaze has fallen on you.
Algorithms take just minutes of attention to figure you out.
This stuff is addictive; your brain slurps it like Pooh on honey. One quick scroll can turn into hours—fast.
Your feed isn't throwing you random content—it's shaping your next steps / who you’ll become. And it's good at its job.
When you open socials for that quick dopamine hit the next day, your new reality is waiting. And before you know it, you're swimming in what you once found repulsive.
The algorithm didn't just show you content. It recreated you.
Now that you know this, it’s time for the Avengers to assemble.
The Feed Defense Protocol:
Intent Check
Why are you here?
What are you seeking?
Is this serving you?
Content Audit
Does it inform?
Does it educate?
Does it genuinely entertain?
Boundary Setting
Set time limits
Define no-go zones
Block/unfollow without guilt
Remember: toxic content spreads because it works.
It's designed to keep you engaged, enraged, and on the platform.
The choice is simple but not easy:
Either you curate your feed, or your feed creates you.
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