Meta reveals chronological Instagram feed without algorithmic ranking
Meta has announced an option for Facebook and Instagram that will allow users to get a chronological feed without algorithmic ranking. According to the company, these updated Reels, Stories and search results comply with the new Digital Services Act.
Under the relevant European legislation, dozens of major tech companies and platforms must comply with new rules to make the platforms safer and more responsible. In line with that announces Meta a way for Facebook and Instagram users to “see content across Reels, Stories, Search, and other parts of those platforms in a way that isn’t ranked by Meta.”
The company cites as an example a chronological list of new to old posts, consisting only of posts from channels that the user follows. There should also be a search option where search results are shown based on the specific search term, again not personalized based on the user’s previous searches and other data points.
It is not exactly clear how Meta wants to implement the new options. Instagram already allows users to open the Following tab and Facebook also has a similar page. For example, it is unknown whether users can completely disable algorithmic feeds. Meta will roll out the updated feed system from later this month.
Meta also says it is further expanding the ‘Why you see this message’ function. For example, the company already published one in June support page containing 22 ‘cards’ that explain specific parts of the algorithms for Facebook and Instagram.
Finally, the company is releasing a number of tools that should ensure that researchers and regulators gain a better insight into Meta’s working methods. For example, in an Ad Library, all advertisements shown to European users are stored for a year. Search parameters and specified target groups are also stored in this archive. The Meta Content Library API serves roughly the same purpose, although all Facebook pages, posts and groups are made available through this tool. For Instagram, only posts from business and creator accounts are made visible via this API for unknown reasons.