Can social media be a calming place?
Hint: it's all about hacking the algorithm
But lately, after spending loads of time on TikTok and Instagram, I noticed something odd.
As someone who would rather spend my time watching fun, enjoyable videos like cats chasing after their tail or decorating tips that aren’t $100+, I found myself watching tons of inspirational, unique content that wasn’t depressing. (Think anti-CNN stuff.)
As months went by, I began to see that my TikTok and Instagram accounts were filled with helpful, actually positive posts like “how to manage your anxiety” or “pancake-making tips” that I don’t mind seeing in my feed.
To be honest, this is only when I use these two apps. I don’t use Facebook and Twitter that much, since I usually get sucked into what my past high school classmates/college roommates/family/friends (etc etc) are doing. And Twitter is a whole other app that plays by its own rules.
So… did I just hack the social media algorithm by accident? (Or did the algorithm just read my mind?)
I have no idea, but I did some digging on the internet to find out.
What TF is the social media algorithm?
To make this short so that you won’t immediately leave this page, a social media algorithm is a set of rules and signals that automatically ranks content on a social platform based on how likely each individual social media user is to like it and interact with it.
What you do on an app gets picked up by the algorithm, which is different for each app. (if you want to get specific, these actions are called ranking signals.)
For example, when I go on Instagram, I get on my recommended section and get bombarded by posts on cats, dogs, Latinx culture, and mental health. Here are probably the actions that made these topics #1 according to the algorithm:
Liking posts that are all about my interests (aka why I immediately go from one cat video to the next. It all started when I followed one cat account, then going to The Dodo, etc.)
Watching reels that are interactive, short, and fun to watch (i.e. picking up my phone during work and finding that a quick reel by an influencer I like is enough to distract me, but also make me feel good.)
Finally, following accounts that I related to the most. (i.e. an ADHD coach who gives tips on organization, an influencer who focuses on body positivity.)
But honestly, I don’t really look at social media as a way to keep up with my friends. I still do that, but I now use it to find article ideas, inspiration for hobbies and interests, and a mood booster when I need inspirational tips for life.
That’s probably why you’re seeing articles titled For Gen Z, TikTok Is the New Search Engine. Google is still popular, but since Gen Zers are more fluent with social media, apps like Instagram and TikTok (with their thousands of posts) are going to be full of hashtags and search results Gen Zers can use to learn more about topics that are directed toward them.
How the algorithm can tell how you’re feeling
I think the reason why so many people say social media can be dangerous is that users who are depressed or in need of mental health services get on the app and become addicted to negative or extreme-based content.
That’s not to say that people who are depressed or anxious are likely to binge on harmful content most of the time. But since people with depression are already in a negative state of mind, they’re more likely to gravitate towards content that impacts their body image, attitudes, and make them even more anxious. (For example: social media influencer Andrew Tate attracting younger boys with body dysmorphia.)
The algorithm picks up on your mood based on what content you’re viewing. And your state of mind, too.
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Making social media a better place (or at least, not annoying)
If you couldn’t tell, I’m an idealist. I want to believe that social media can be a better place to be when we’re in a bad mood or just want to vent to the world via TikTok.
For some people, that’s not reality.
Sometimes we need a break from social media because it’s too addicting. Or we’re tired of seeing the same negative posts we’ve binged on before (thanks algorithm).
There’s nothing wrong with that. Sadly social media was designed to be too user-friendly and addicting.
Maybe, though, we can hack the algorithm. If cat videos aren’t interesting to you, maybe try looking at videos that inspire you. (Can I suggest Lizzo??)
Over time, your app’s algorithm can pick that up and give you more of the same posts.
Either way, I think we can all agree that social media needs to be more inclusive and a better environment for all users- not just Gen Z.