In a recent update, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) has provided users with a comprehensive look at how its AI systems determine the content that appears on their Facebook and Instagram feeds. This move comes as a response to the demand for transparency and understanding regarding the algorithms used by social media platforms.
Meta has released 22 card systems that explain how its AI systems rank content for its Feed, Stories, and Reels. Each card details a specific aspect of Meta’s platform and sheds light on how the AI system functions. For example, when it comes to Facebook Feeds, the AI system begins by collecting all potential posts from friends and Pages that users follow.
The AI system then considers various input signals to determine the relevance and value of each post. Factors such as the creator of the post, user interaction, and the number of likes from friends are taken into account. Based on these scores, the AI ranks the posts and displays them on the user’s feed in order of relevance.
The newly introduced card systems also provide users with instructions on how to customize their experience on the platforms. Users can learn how to unfollow a person or group, as well as how to indicate their preferences by clicking “show more” or “show less” on a particular post. This customization feature empowers users to have more control over the content they see on their feeds.
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Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, emphasized the importance of personalization tools in a post announcing the release of the card systems. Alongside the card systems, Facebook and Instagram offer centralized menus with customization controls called Feed Preferences and Suggested Content Control Center, respectively. These tools enable users to further personalize their experience and tailor their feeds according to their preferences.
Meta is also exploring new features to enhance user customization. On Instagram, for instance, they are testing a feature that allows users to indicate whether they are “Interested” in a recommended reel in the Reels tab. This enables the app to show users more similar content based on their preferences. Currently, users can only indicate whether they are “Not Interested” in a specific reel. Additionally, Meta is working on making the “show more” and “show less” feature more prominent to ensure users have greater control over their content consumption.
In unveiling the workings of its algorithms, Meta is proactively addressing forthcoming regulatory changes. With the European Union’s Digital Markets Act set to take effect in 2024, online services like Facebook and Instagram will be required to be more transparent about their recommendation algorithms. The new law demands the provision of chronological feeds and prohibits targeted ads based on attributes such as religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
This move towards transparency and user control is not new for Meta. Earlier this year, the company rolled out an updated version of its “Why am I seeing this ad?” tool, which offers users more insight into how their activities contribute to the ad-matching software. By providing users with a clearer understanding of the algorithms at play, Meta aims to foster trust and empower users to make informed choices about their online experiences.
In conclusion, Meta’s release of card systems and customization tools offers users greater visibility into the AI systems that determine the content displayed on their Facebook and Instagram feeds. With the impending regulatory changes, Meta is taking proactive steps towards ensuring transparency and user control, while also complying with upcoming laws. This move not only empowers users but also fosters trust in the platforms, as users can now shape their online experiences according to their preferences and interests.
