As parents and caregivers to overcome the “algorithms” we must create the “mechanisms” to have ongoing discussions with our kiddo’s about digital literacy, internet safety, and privacy As parents, have you ever wondered why your kids seem so captivated by social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube? Behind the scenes of these social media platforms, algorithms are working relentlessly to shape our kid’s online experiences in ways we might not fully realize. These algorithms are specifically designed and working overtime to deliver personalized content, drawing teens deeper into endless videos and posts that align with their interests. The result? It becomes harder for them to step away from their devices. Plain and simple, these algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and hold your child’s attention. Why? – because the longer your kids stay online, the more personal information these platforms gather, use, and sell for their financial benefit. Social media algorithms are complex systems that determine the content our kids see on their feeds. They use personal data, user interactions, and online preferences to curate content that keeps youth engaged. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how they work: So, why can social media algorithms be dangerous for youth? As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial that we educate ourselves and our kids about social media algorithms and their potential impact. By doing so, we can help our kids develop healthy digital habits and make informed decisions about their technology use. By understanding how social media algorithms work, youth can: Many parents, caregivers, and youth don’t know that you can reset and game these social media algorithms to refresh their feed, delete concerning content, and explore new content. This is especially important when our kids fall down the deep dark holes of the internet, by accident or on purpose, where these algorithms can start to feed them less than desirable content. Empower your child to take control of their social media experience – by resetting the algorithms of popular social media apps, youth can refresh their feed and reduce potential risks. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to help accomplish this goal on these four popular social media platforms: Instagram Clear Search History Adjust Interests Refresh Explore Page By following these steps, your teen can reset their Instagram algorithm and see content that’s more relevant to their interests. Remember to encourage them to regularly review their settings and adjust their preferences to maintain a healthy online experience. TikTok Clear Cache Dislike Videos Unfollow Accounts Refresh Their Page Remember, resetting the TikTok algorithm takes time and patience. Encourage your teen to regularly review their settings and adjust their preferences to maintain a healthy online experience. YouTube As a parent, you can help your teen reset their YouTube recommendations to improve their viewing experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Clear Watch History Delete Search History Manage Subscriptions Snapchat Method 1: Hide Certain Channels Method 2: Remove Channels Already in your Feed Method 3: Report Inappropriate Content Reset Snapchat Discovery Feed Social media algorithms have a profound influence on our kids’ online experiences, shaping their interactions and gathering personal information. However, by educating ourselves and our children about how these algorithms work, we can start to take back control and promote healthy digital habits. By regularly resetting and refreshing their social media feeds, your kids can help minimize the endless loop of problematic content and explore new interests. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to guide your kids through the onlife world and help them develop mindful technology use. By working together, we can ensure that social media platforms are a positive and enriching experience for our kids. Take the first step by incorporating the recommendations in this how-to- article, and help your kids reset their social media algorithms to create a healthier onlife environment. Digital Food For Thought The White Hatter Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech