Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has published a total of 22 detailed explanations of what content is displayed to users in a move to create more transparency. These explanations are intended to give users an insight into how the algorithmic sorting of the feed, search results and recommendations on the platforms works. With this step, Meta wants to make it easier to understand how users can control the content in their apps. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the background and effects of this transparency offensive.

The signal factors of the Instagram and Facebook algorithms

The published explanations contain general information about how the algorithms work. In the case of Instagram stories, however, specific signal factors are listed that influence the prediction of the most interesting content. These include, for example, the frequency with which users view posts by the story author, the device platform used (web, Android or iOS), the average time spent viewing stories, the number of stories skipped, the frequency with which stories are viewed again and the time of day at the user's location. In addition, factors such as the number of messages exchanged with the story creator outside of Instagram and the likelihood of a connection outside of Instagram are taken into account.

Significance of the transparency campaign

The publication of this information shows how Meta evaluates a myriad of data in order to provide personalized content. This can be surprising or unsettling for some users. At the same time, however, Meta also offers options to influence the sorting if users do not like the current approach. On Facebook, for example, users can click on "Show more" or "Show less" to temporarily increase or decrease the rating of the current content.

Meta's motivation and future developments

Meta President Nick Clegg emphasizes that the disclosure of how the algorithms work is a response to the concerns and risks associated with generative artificial intelligence. He sees transparency as the best way to address these concerns. In addition to the published information, Meta announces that it will provide new tools for research in the coming weeks. A content library and an interface will make it easier for researchers to access publicly viewable content on Facebook and Instagram. This step is not only for research purposes, but also to fulfill data sharing and transparency obligations.

Conclusion

Meta's transparency campaign, which explains how the Instagram and Facebook algorithms work, is a step in the right direction to give users a better understanding and more control over the content they see. It is important that users know how their feeds and recommendations are compiled and what factors play a role in this.

The publication of this information also shows that Meta is aware of the growing importance of data protection and transparency. The company is thus responding to the increased expectations of users and regulatory requirements, particularly with regard to the EU law on the protection of digital services.

The fact that the published information only provides a limited insight into the complex algorithms of Instagram and Facebook is viewed critically. The exact weighting and impact of each individual signal remains largely unclear. Users should continue to interact consciously with the platforms and use the available control options.

Overall, Meta's transparency offensive is a step in the right direction in terms of disclosing how the algorithms work and giving users more control. However, this does not change the fact that users are increasingly being trapped in their own "content bubble" by algorithms that are now controlled by AI and that data is being massively exploited for advertising purposes.