An algorithm is like a set of rules that decides what shows up in your feed. It watches what you do on an app and uses that to guess what you might want to see next.
When you like, watch, comment on, or share something, the app takes that as a signal. The more you interact with a type of content, the more similar content the algorithm will show you.
This can be useful because you see things you enjoy but it can also mean you keep seeing the same kind of posts again and again, even if you want something different.
Your attention is valuable. Apps make money when you stay longer, so algorithms are designed to keep you watching — not to look after your wellbeing. That’s why it helps to notice how content makes you feel and use tools like “not interested”, unfollowing, or taking breaks to shape your feed in a healthier way.
Algorithms don’t just notice what you like. They also pay attention to things like:
Even stopping to watch for a few seconds counts.
This tells the app what you’re not into.
Searches are strong clues about your interests.
Friends, creators, messages, comments.
What others your age or with similar interests watch.
To suggest content that seems relevant or popular nearby.
What you watch when you’re bored, tired, or relaxing
Content and trends lots of people are engaging with.
Algorithms are designed to keep you on an app for as long as possible. Platforms make money when people keep watching, so algorithms often push content that gets strong reactions — like posts that are emotional, shocking, or start arguments.
If you watch or interact with videos about feeling sad, angry, or insecure, the algorithm may show you more of the same. Over time, this can make those feelings feel bigger or harder to escape.
Algorithms can also repeat stereotypes by showing different content to different people, for example, lots of appearance-focused posts or content that encourages drama and strong opinions.
Some young people also feel uneasy knowing how much apps track what they watch and click on, which can affect feelings of privacy and safety. While algorithms can show fun or supportive content, they don’t know what’s healthy or fair.
They’re built to hold attention, not to protect wellbeing, which is why learning how to manage your feed matters.
• How do social media apps decide what to show you?
• How might seeing the same kinds of posts again and again affect how someone feels or thinks?
• Why might social media make it harder for some people to stop scrolling?
• How do social media apps decide what to show you?
• How might seeing the same kinds of posts again and again affect how someone feels or thinks?
• Why might social media algorithms make it harder for some people to stop scrolling?
Because social media algorithms are designed to keep you watching (not to protect your well-being), it’s important to learn how to take back some control.
If videos leave you feeling anxious, angry, insecure, or upset, that’s a sign the algorithm might be pushing content that isn’t good for you, even if it’s popular.
It shows content that gets attention, not content that is fair, true, or healthy. This means stereotypes, arguments, and extreme views can be boosted because they get more clicks.
Use options like ‘Not interested,’ ‘mute’, ‘block’, or follow positive accounts to teach the algorithm what you do and don’t want to see. Small actions can make a big difference over time.
Even pausing on a video counts as interest. If something is upsetting or harmful, scrolling past quickly helps stop it from being shown again.
Ask yourself:
Who benefits from me seeing this?
Is this trying to sell me something, provoke me, or make me compare myself to others?
Algorithms are designed to make it hard to stop scrolling. Setting time limits or doing something offline can help protect your mental health.
If you have found any of this content distressing and want to talk to someone about how you're feeling, we would encourage you to reach out to a friend, family member or professional for support. You can also call Samaritans for free any time (24/7), from any phone, on 116 123.
