How to run away from the algorithm: a practical guide to save you (and restore control)

You watch your third video on Tiktok. Or the tenth. Who takes the account? At some point, you entered only for the consideration of a “fast thing”, and 45 minutes passed. Does it sound familiar? Usually you can feel in an endless content that you did not ask for, but you continue to consume. Spoiler: This is not by chance. This is an algorithm.

Good news? It can run away. But – and here is the smallest popular part – requires some effort. Yes, you will have to install things, learn to use others and, possibly, pay for some. But it’s worth it.

What is an algorithm?

When we talk about the algorithm, we do not refer to any. In fact, this is a set of mathematical formulas and processes that decide what content to show you on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, Facebook or even Google. They analyze your behavior: what you see to what you give “how”, what you pause or ignore … And with this they predict that the next, that may interest you.

It sounds useful, right? And sometimes it is. But there is a problem: his main goal is not to make you happy, not tell you or inspire you. This is forced to stay. That you continue to watch. Do not release the phone. Because every second you spend, there is money for platforms.

Why can this be harmful?

The algorithm does not seek your well, but to stay connected as long as possible, even if it leaves you with anxiety or a sense of lost time. We can see a little relevant content for hours only because he feeds boredom or curiosity. Many times we don’t even choose what to see: the algorithm decides, arranging priorities, which retains most, and not the most valuable.

Thus, prejudices are supported, new ideas are limited, and everything begins to look the same. It also affects those who create content that should adapt to the fact that they prefer the algorithm, losing visibility with each change. To create interaction, extremeness is priority, which polarizes speech and erases the nuances. And most of the food is not even a person: he is full of advertising or automatic content. If everything seems to be repeated, superficial or intended for provoking, this is not by chance.

Harsh reality: this is not (lonely) the wine of the algorithm

It is easy to blame the algorithm when we are watching video number 50 kittens at 2 a.m. in the morning, or when our Instagram channel is filled with financial guru and recipes that we will never make. But the truth is that part of the error is ours. We became smug and allowed the automated system to decide for us what to see what to read and what to think.

YouTube channel Technological compounds He gave the name to this phenomenon: “Algorithmic complacency.” This decision – conscious or unconscious – allow the car to choose for us, although we know that there are alternatives. But not everything is lost. We can restore control.

How to run away from the algorithm

1. See only the content that you are signed

Subscribe to the channels that you really like. Use a direct link to your YouTube subscription instead of a home page. So, you will only see how you chose the new creators.

In social networks, look for the opportunity to see only that you publish accounts you follow. Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and even Reddit allow you to avoid the “recommended” content. Sometimes you have to delve into configuration, but almost all networks allow it.

2. Get RSS

Yes, RSS still exists. And they are more useful than when. The RSS reader (for example, Feedly or Newsblur) allows you to monitor the pages, blogs, information ballots or channels that you choose and see everything in one chronological list. Without advertising without random recommendations, without noise. Only what interests you.

You can add almost everything: the media, technological sites, YouTube channels (yes, also) and even social networks with external tools.

Is it a good reader? Sometimes yes, but there are free or payment versions that cost every penny.

3. Transform your social networks into RSS channels

If you cannot leave social networks, at least make you play in your favor. Today there are tools that allow you to convert Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and other platforms in RSS channels. Advantage? You can only see the content that interests you without opening the applications and without getting into an endless scroll. The use of readers makes this easier and an orderly process.

In addition, many networks already offer ways to filter what you see. In X (until Twitter), stay with the tab Next And avoid For youThe Bluesky field allows you to create thematic lists with relevant accounts, and Reddit allows you to subscribe only to questions that are important to you. It is important that every time you enter, you do it with a clear purpose: choose the moment of the day, check only what is needed and leave there. And if you want to go further, use RSS Solutions, compatible with readers such as Inoreder to follow social networks without falling into a trap.

4. Change the search engine

Google has ceased to be the best place to search for information. Many times the first results are full of irrelevant pages, advertising or answers generated by AI, which help little.

A powerful alternative without an intrusive algorithm is kagi.com. This is a search engine of payments that really shows what you are looking for, without jewelry or distraction. You can try it for free (with 100 search), and then decide whether it convinces you. There are also free options such as Duckckgo or Brave Search, although they are not as powerful as kai.

5. Place the limit on your scroll

Sometimes we just want to turn off the brain and watch videos or memes. And this is normal. But stop. You need to set a clear limit for the time you spend, scroll. You can try 15 minutes. Although you can put the upper hand in 30 minutes or even one hour.

Do not use a cell phone timer. Use the kitchen clock, an alarm clock, anything … but this is far from you. Something that makes you get up to turn it off. This physical change can help you break the cycle.

It’s not easy, but you can

The cessation of the algorithm requires intention, adjustments and some patience. You may have to pay for some tools or learn how to use others that seem to be an “old school”. But the result is a healthier, more free and much more experience.

Good news: you do not need to completely turn off. Just restore control. You decide what to see when and why. And this in this rich world is an act of uprising.