How To Hack Your Algorithm: Curating A Positive Social Media Presence

If scrolling through your social media feed makes you want to log off forever, you’re doing it wrong — here’s how to curate your profile to bring joy instead.

If your social media feed feels more like a black hole of bad news, body envy and existential dread than a place to unwind, find inspiration and build community, it’s time for a reset. We’re all for a little brainrot now and again — have you seen some of our content? — but it’s all about balance. Because while social platforms might be designed to keep you scrolling, they shouldn’t be why you’re spiralling. Not sure how to hack your socials, or why? Keep reading to discover all the ways you can take control and curate your feed to lift you up, because (spoiler alert) the algorithm isn’t going to do it for you.

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Feeling worn out? You’re not alone

You’re not crazy — the sheer amount of content we have become accustomed to consuming is unhealthy. Everyday, we are bombarded with an insane dichotomy of updates, from your friend’s enviable vacation and some influencer’s post-juice-cleanse abs to (literally) every terrible thing that has occurred in the world in the past 24 hours. This isn’t normal and, more importantly, it’s not mentally sustainable.

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Hacking your algorithm

What pops up on your feed is a curated mix of a) sponsored content being forced down your throat, b) content that a computer has determined your demographic (age, gender, location, etc) will enjoy, and c) content that is similar to what you already interact with. Trying to escape from the first two is difficult, but the last is completely in your control. Here are three easy — but effective! — ways to reset your socials:

1. Unfollow people that make you feel terrible about yourself

   We’ve all heard people say that “social media isn’t real life”, but — controversial take — it doesn’t matter! Attractive people post thirst traps; wealthy people tend to publicise their expensive purchases; lovers like to share photos of themselves looking happy. Does it make any difference if that influencer, friend or mutual “edited that picture” if it’s eliciting an emotional response from you? Stop overanalysing and just unfollow them — the algorithm will take note.

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2. Get your news elsewhere

   Staying engaged is important, but the world’s woes are not going to be solved on Instagram. You are allowed to log off. You are not morally obligated to repost that article (or infographic, or anything else!) to your story. It is possible to be an informed global citizen and philanthropic person offline. We’re not suggesting you disengage entirely — we’re encouraging you to volunteer your time, money and energy to giving back in real life.

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3. Be aware of hyperconsumerism

   All of our FYPs are filled with fashion, beauty and fitness influencers promoting unnecessary products, but it’s up to you whether or not that impacts your spending habits. The next time you find yourself adding something to your cart, consider this: is it really the “hottest new skincare trend”, or has a large conglomerate spent millions trying to convince you it is?

Curating your feed anew

Think of your social media like your brain’s bedroom — who are you allowing inside? There are endless Hong Kong-based accounts dedicated to niche interests and communities, and they’re waiting for you to get involved.

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If you’re into…

• Small-scale farming — Check out Gwo Bean collective and R-Farm for workshops and veggie markets
• Film and food — Check out Savour Cinema for film-inspired culinary experiences
• Accessible arts — Check out Young Soy Gallery, Current Plans, Para Site and Fringe Club (or just follow GalleriesGal!)
• Educational arts — Check out Asia Art Archive for arts info and Somehow Hong Kong for community-focused events
• Stand-up comedy — Check out Bitches In Stitches HK for femme-only gigs and performances
• Running — Check out She Runs collective for an all-female running group and The Station for weekly social runs (all genders)
• Reading — Check out Gentle Books for second-hand books, block parties and literary events
• Mindfulness — Check out Sole Soul Club for a safe space for women and workshops
• Music — Check out Panic Library, MÖTH Agency, Y2K, Bad Times Disco, Omni Agency, Bodywork … and so many more
• Philanthropy — Check out More Good, The New Normal, TALK and The Women’s Foundation for ways to give back