Here’s How To Use Facebook Without The Algorithm

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I’ve been on a bit of a rampage lately when it comes to Facebook and meaningless online connections. I’ve even publicly posted my cell phone number in case anyone wanted to connect in person. You’d think my number would get invaded by online trolls and the likes, but posting my number online was relatively uneventful.

In a previous article I wrote:

Algorithms are smart enough to keep you just about engaged enough to not quit and leave altogether. Because once you do leave, Mark Zuckerberg lost another inmate he can market to. Social media is trying to control the narrative of your life – and they’re pretty successful at it if you let them.

The recent press coverage on Facebook whistleblowers makes it pretty clear that we’ve been right all along: Facebook is broken. The algorithm contributes to all sorts of evil in the world, and redirects your time and attention wherever it wants to in order to keep you on the platform.

But what if you could turn off the algorithm? Well, turns out you can. And it’s not even that complicated.

A chronological view

Turning your news feed back to “chronological” order is a great way to see what’s actually going on within your circle of friends. The most recent post from any of your friends, show at the top. Imagine seeing what your friends have to say without an algorithm trying to control the narrative. Of course a little spam filtering may be helpful, because nobody wants to hear from “that guy” all the time. But I can make that decision for myself and hide or unfollow people that overdo it a little on the sharing front.

For most of my online friends, I would argue we’re connected because I genuinely care and would like to see more from what’s going on in your personal or even professional life. Only when we’re having a meaningful conversation that connection with others can once again become meaningful itself. The social media fakery and posting about our “grand life on Facebook” doesn’t really help anyone.

Here’s how to do it

Surprisingly, the option is hidden in plain sight. On desktop, you just click Most Recent in the lefthand pane. On mobile, you’ll find Most Recent under the hamburger menu in the upper-right corner. Sadly, the view doesn’t stick or save, but just temporarily sorts your newsfeed by chronological order. Next time you visit your newsfeed, it’ll default back to its default setting. Alternatively, you can use and bookmark this link (right click) to access Facebook to sort by chronological order every time. I’ve added that one to my Favourites to have easy access all the time.

Real friends

Still, if you’d like to be more than internet friends, just text me. For real. Send me a text message, just to say Hello. I can’t wait to hear from you! You can add me to your contacts by scanning the QR code with your smartphone camera, or clicking the button below.

Text me: 604-210-8668

P.S. Questions, comments, compliments? Join the conversation and text me: 604-210-8668. I’d love to hear from you.

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