Reddit and the Algorithm
Oct. 16th, 2026 05:16 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
varidogReddits has an algorithm, and I can finally articulate why I detest the algorithm.
For me, feeds are about information that I'd like to see. I glean information from these feeds. Gleaning is my primary use.
The algorithm works by interaction. It gives you more of what you interact with. It removes what I'd like to glean and replaces it with things to engage me.
I don't want to be engaged, I want the information that I signed up for.
Case in point, I answered a few questions, so Reddit began feeding me more questions, questions upon questions, until I nearly screamed at all the questions.
I have discovered the MUTE button, and I am now aggressively using that to my own advantage. This doesn't stop Reddit from trying over and over to give me more of whatever I mute, but it's slowly shaping my view.
I miss simple feeds that just showed you everything and didn't attempt to outguess you, but that's too straightforward.
For me, feeds are about information that I'd like to see. I glean information from these feeds. Gleaning is my primary use.
The algorithm works by interaction. It gives you more of what you interact with. It removes what I'd like to glean and replaces it with things to engage me.
I don't want to be engaged, I want the information that I signed up for.
Case in point, I answered a few questions, so Reddit began feeding me more questions, questions upon questions, until I nearly screamed at all the questions.
I have discovered the MUTE button, and I am now aggressively using that to my own advantage. This doesn't stop Reddit from trying over and over to give me more of whatever I mute, but it's slowly shaping my view.
I miss simple feeds that just showed you everything and didn't attempt to outguess you, but that's too straightforward.
