Social media use falls if algorithm-based feeds removed, study finds

Removing algorithm-based feeds reduces the amount of time users spend on social media platforms but does not change people's political attitudes, a new study as found. — Photo: Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

DUBLIN: Social media platforms have long been criticized for using opaque algorithms that dictate what users see on their feeds.

But according to research published by the journal Science and backed by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, removing algorithm-based feeds only causes users to reduce the amount of time they spend on the platforms.