Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has unveiled a comprehensive breakdown of its AI systems that determine the content displayed on users’ feeds. The release of 22 card systems offers users an inside look at how posts are ranked and prioritized across the platforms.
For Facebook Feeds, Meta’s AI system begins by gathering all potential posts from friends and Pages that users follow. It then takes into account various input signals, including the post creator, user interactions, and the number of likes from friends. These factors contribute to determining the relevance and value of each post, ultimately influencing the order in which they appear on users’ feeds.
The newly introduced card systems not only shed light on the ranking process but also provide users with the ability to customize their experience on Facebook and Instagram. Instructions are included on how to unfollow individuals or groups and how to indicate preferences through options like “show more” or “show less” for specific topics.
In an announcement regarding the card systems, Nick Clegg, Meta’s President of Global Affairs, highlighted additional tools available for users to personalize their platform experience. Facebook’s Feed Preferences and Instagram’s Suggested Content Control Center offer centralized menus with customization controls. Furthermore, Meta is currently testing a feature on Instagram that allows users to indicate their interest in recommended reels, enabling the app to display similar content. Presently, users can only express disinterest in specific reels. Clegg also mentioned Meta’s ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility of the “show more” and “show less” feature.
This move by Meta comes ahead of the enforcement of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, set to take effect in 2024. The legislation aims to increase transparency regarding recommendation algorithms for online services such as Facebook and Instagram. It will mandate the provision of chronological feeds and prohibit targeted ads based on factors like religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Meta has previously introduced an updated version of its “Why am I seeing this ad?” tool, offering users more transparency on how their activities influence ad-matching software.
With the release of these card systems, Meta takes a proactive step towards transparency, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of the algorithms governing their social media feeds. As digital platforms face increased scrutiny, Meta’s efforts aim to foster trust and provide users with greater control over their online experiences.
