My Top 3: Things I Don't Mind the Algorithm Feeding Me

*sings a la Dory* Just keep scrolling

My Top 3 is a weekly post where I count down three things I love in a random category. This week, we’re looking at my top three things I don’t mind the algorithm feeding me.

As an outreach librarian, I am one of those “very online” people. I’m supposed to keep up with trends and know how to hack the algorithm and all that. But, honestly, I don’t. Trends are too niche; it’s impossible to be aware of all of them. Once you think you’ve figured out the algorithm, it changes. There’s no hacking your way into virality. It either happens or it doesn’t. Plus, as an academic librarian, my main job is to help people navigate the ever changing world of information. The algorithm is more my nemesis than it is my friend.

When it comes to social media, I highly curate my feeds. I almost never go on the For You pages. I don’t need to fall into a doomscroll that makes me cranky. No, thank you. Plus, the fact that I never set up a separate browser account for work (rookie mistake) means all the research I do for students and faculty has trashed my recommendations. On occasion, however, the algorithm gets it just right. When it hits, I find myself scrolling through a delightful channel of calming or funny videos meant just for me.