Background Briefing Long Read | How social media algorithms decide who you are
Dec 25, 2025
Prianka Srinivasan embarks on a fascinating experiment using a burner phone to unveil Instagram’s algorithm. She reveals how the platform initially learns user preferences through a blank profile and diverse content exposure. Experts discuss how location data and feedback signals shape recommendations. The conversation shifts to how small actions can drastically alter content feeds—from parenting tips to polarizing material. Ultimately, tools for regaining control over one’s feed are shared, sparking reflection on the power of algorithms in our daily lives.
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Blank Account Experiment
- Priyanka created a burner Instagram account named Tank Promotion to observe how a blank profile is seeded with content.
- She used a factory-reset phone, new SIM, and minimal initial interactions to let the algorithm explore her tastes.
Engagement Is The Core Motive
- Instagram's primary objective is to keep you on the app by serving content that maximises engagement.
- The platform tests diverse content on new accounts until it finds what holds attention.
Phones Are Nodes In Social Graphs
- Platforms use device signals like location and proximity to other phones to infer who you are connected to.
- These associative links let algorithms suggest content based on the tastes of people you spend time near.