I turned off my algorithm for 24 hours. Is this how social media used to be?

The Australian government announced 'world-leading' reforms that would let people opt out of social media algorithms. The plan is called 'my feed, my way'. Guardian writer Caitlin Cassidy turned off her Instagram algorithm for 24 hours to test the idea. The setting showed her only posts from accounts she follows, in order. After about 100 unfollows, her feed ran out of content in just ten minutes. Instagram told her there were no more new posts from accounts she follows.

Social media feeds once showed posts from friends in the order they were posted. Over the years, platforms switched to algorithms that decide what you see. Those algorithms are built to keep people scrolling. They often mix in ads and suggested content. Critics say this spreads harmful material and hides what users actually choose. The reforms are part of a wider push to make platforms more accountable for what Australians see online.

The change would let you control what you see instead of leaving it to a computer. That could mean less junk and ads, but also fewer surprise finds.