Reset algorithms to break free from content bubbles

Reset buttons on TikTok and Instagram help artists discover fresh inspiration

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Let’s dive into today’s topic:

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Reset the algorithms to break free from content bubbles

This practical tip has reduced my social media addiction while allowing me to discover new creators.

Why it matters

Algorithms drive content recommendations on social media (Timeline, Explore, For You, Radio, etc.). They create an echo chamber, forming social and cultural bubbles and limiting exposure to new inspirations and perspectives.

While personalised recommendations can be helpful, they often lead to repetitive content consumption and contribute to social media addiction.

Reset features on Instagram and TikTok offer artists a way to refresh their discovery experience and potentially reduce mindless scrolling.

Generated with SDXL using the prompt ‘8-bit video game console’.

How it works

Instagram has recently made it easy to reset content recommendations on Explore, Reels, and Feed. The process is straightforward:

• Open the Instagram app > Navigate to the profile page.

• Tap the Menu ☰ button in the top right corner.

• Scroll down to ‘What you see’ > ‘Content preferences’.

• Select ‘Reset suggested content’.

TikTok has a similar feature to refresh the ‘For You’ feed:

• Open the TikTok app > Navigate to the profile page.

• Tap the Menu ☰ button in the top right corner.

• Select ‘Settings and privacy’ > ‘Content Preferences’.

• Select ‘Refresh your For You feed’.

Resetting these algorithms provides a clean slate for these recommendation systems to learn new preferences based on future interactions.

Yes, but..

Resetting recommendations is only one step toward healthier social media habits. Other actions that artists can take:

• Perceive social media as social platforms rather than entertainment platforms.

  • Use the apps to engage with fellow artists.

  • Actively engage with content that inspires creativity.

• Be mindful of time spent on the platform.

Take action now

Artists could take advantage of this feature by resetting their recommendations before starting a new creative project and resetting their recommendations regularly.

Your thoughts

Further reading

• Reshape Your Instagram With a Recommendations Reset (Meta Newsroom)

• Refresh your For You feed (TikTok Support)

• Introducing a way to refresh your For You feed on TikTok (TikTok Newsroom)

• Instagram will let you rebuild your recommendations from scratch (The Verge)

• You Can Finally Reset Your Instagram Algorithm (Lifehacker)

• Social media is a thing of the past (The Fanbase Builder)

• Why artists should comment on other artists’ posts (The Fanbase Builder)

• Artists fuel social media addictions (The Fanbase Builder)