Shedding More Light on How Instagram Works: Mental Models for Intelligent Decisions

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jul 26, 2023

4 min read

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Shedding More Light on How Instagram Works: Mental Models for Intelligent Decisions

In today's digital age, social media platforms like Instagram have become a significant part of our lives. We spend hours scrolling through our feeds, liking and sharing posts, and engaging with content that resonates with us. But have you ever wondered how Instagram determines what you see on your feed and explore page? In this article, we will delve into the algorithms and processes that drive Instagram's content ranking system and explore how mental models can help us make intelligent decisions in the digital realm.

Instagram doesn't rely on a single algorithm to curate content for its users. Instead, it uses a variety of algorithms, classifiers, and processes, each with its own purpose. For example, the feed is ranked based on what you care about the most. Instagram takes into account signals such as the information about the post, the person who posted it, your activity on the app, and your history of interacting with someone. These signals help Instagram determine the likelihood of your engagement with a post, such as spending time on it, commenting, liking, saving, or tapping on the profile photo. The higher the likelihood of your action and the more heavily Instagram weighs that action, the higher up you'll see the post on your feed.

Similarly, in the Explore section of Instagram, the ranking is based on different signals. The most important actions predicted in Explore include likes, saves, and shares, along with information about the post and your history of interacting with the person who posted it. Instagram aims to provide you with content that you may find interesting and entertaining, even if you don't follow the accounts that generate that content.

Another feature of Instagram, Reels, is designed to entertain you. Similar to the Explore section, the majority of what you see on Reels is from accounts you don't follow. The predictions made for Reels focus on how likely you are to watch a reel all the way through, like it, find it entertaining or funny, and visit the audio page. These predictions are based on your activity on the app, your history of interacting with the person who posted the reel, and information about the reel itself.

Understanding how Instagram's algorithms work can help you navigate the platform more effectively. But it's also essential to develop mental models that aid in making intelligent decisions while using social media. Mental models are simplified representations of complex concepts that help us understand and reason about the world. They allow us to simplify complexity and consider what is most relevant in a given situation.

One critical mental model is the concept of first principles. By knowing the fundamental principles of a subject or problem, we can build our knowledge around them and create new insights. In the context of Instagram, understanding the underlying principles of content ranking and engagement can help us make informed decisions about the content we consume and share.

Another valuable mental model is the latticework of theory. This model suggests that we should have a broad understanding of various disciplines and concepts to make well-rounded decisions. By learning the basics of different subjects, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and make more informed choices about the content we engage with on Instagram.

Additionally, thought experiments can be powerful tools for decision-making. By imagining different scenarios and evaluating their potential consequences, we can learn from our mistakes and avoid future ones. Thought experiments allow us to explore the impossible and challenge our preconceived notions, leading to better decision-making on social media platforms like Instagram.

Now that we have explored the inner workings of Instagram's algorithms and the importance of mental models, let's conclude with three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Be mindful of the content you consume and engage with on Instagram. Understand that the algorithms are designed to show you content based on your preferences and actions. Take the time to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the information you come across to avoid spreading misinformation.
  • 2. Continuously expand your knowledge and develop a latticework of theory. Don't limit yourself to a single perspective or subject. Engage with content from diverse accounts and challenge your existing beliefs. This will help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world and make better decisions on social media.
  • 3. Practice critical thinking and skepticism. Don't take everything you see on Instagram at face value. Use thought experiments to evaluate the potential consequences of your actions and question the information presented to you. By being discerning and curious, you can navigate the platform more effectively and avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias.

In conclusion, understanding how Instagram works can empower us to make informed decisions and engage with content responsibly. By combining our knowledge of the platform's algorithms with mental models for decision-making, we can navigate the digital landscape with greater clarity and purpose. So next time you open Instagram, remember to be mindful, expand your knowledge, and think critically.

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