Threads is trying out a feature that enables users to shape their recommendation algorithm. Titled “Dear algo,” this functionality permits users to send messages to the algorithm with requests like “Dear algo, provide me with more book suggestions” or “Dear algo, cease showing me basketball updates; my team is underperforming, and it makes me unhappy.” Conor Hayes, the leader of Threads, declared on Dec. 3 that the platform is “evaluating a novel AI feature to assist in personalizing your feed.” By incorporating “Dear Algo” into a post, users can express their preferences for a duration of up to three days. If the profile is public, others can view, engage, or share the request. This is currently in a testing phase, so not everyone can access it yet, but wider availability is anticipated. The feed will temporarily adjust for three days, allowing users to interact with content they prefer, which will aid in fine-tuning the algorithm over time. These posts are public, alerting friends and followers to the user’s preferences. Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, noted that the feature was “motivated” by users who began “dear threads algo” requests.