My facebook feed is a nightmare
I joined the social network in 2008. At this time, I was in middle school; people were sharing photos and posting comments. It was great. The content I received was the content I expected. The platform has always been a way to keep me informed about music, movies, local events, etc. For example, 2 days ago, I learned that Arctic Monkeys announced a new album.
Nowadays, I still use facebook because of messenger. Family and friends use it although I would rather use privacy-friendly apps such as Signal or Element (Matrix).
So why do I argue my feed is a nightmare? I take my phone out of my pocket, I open the facebook application and then, the funniest thing happens:
We start with a group about alien theories.
An ad about Amazon Fresh. I don't like Amazon. I thought you already knew that Facebook.
This guy sells a $400 ticket for a 3 days retreat to guide you in discovering your truest potential, purpose and power. He describes himself as an awakening guide. He sounds like a guru to me, what do you think Facebook?
A suggested video about a guy filming a yellow Skoda Felicia Fun Pickup. In the video, the guy has a baby voice.
A suggested video of a guy making tech videos on Youtube. I'm into tech so it could make sense but this is not tech I like at all.
A sponsored post again? Did I break the Facebook algorithm or something?
What the heck? Who's that guy with this unbearable voice? Where did my friend's content go?
A gallery of videos from people I don't even know.
I'm getting pissed off. Who is this guy again? And why does Facebook suggest these kinds of content?
A summary of what I hate about marketing. This post considers people idiots.
let's appreciate this misogynistic meme. Oh and by the way, I do not care about cars.
It's the twelfth post on my timeline and still waiting for a friend's post. I don't even watch NBA.
Another meme about Marvel movies, no comment...
It's getting worse than TV ads at this rate...
First post I would possibly be interested in because I joined this facebook group 🎉. Are you trying to manipulate me Mark or am I paranoid?
An Australian shitposting group page talking about the UK??
Money Driven Dream. That's so me Mark!
According to a survey conducted by Choconews, 82% of American people think it's a great fast-food restaurant. Yann would tell you the contrary.
Again, shitposting about people I don't even give attention to. What the fuck is wrong with Facebook?
I need to check out what he's been working on these days.
A post about a facebook page I follow, very surprising, I was expecting another suggested/sponsored content.
I thought for a second the algorithm was working correctly, I almost had a panic attack...
Shitposting video about a guy mad because people put some champagne on his $1000 cushions. What a sad life!
I follow this person, he's a photographer.
Are you trying to convince me your insurance company is lit? Let me doubt about it.
A friend selling furniture on facebook marketplace.
Are you still scrolling for real?
I wonder whether minors could see this ad on their timeline.
What are you trying to tell me Mark?
Until what? Until WHAT? TELL ME PLEASE, I WANNA KNOW!
I don't drink this beer.
The second time this guy is suggested. My position remains the same.
I repeat myself one more time, I don't give a shit about cars.
La cerise sur le gâteau: NFTs
I think it's enough for today.
Have you noticed the crazy number of ads? How is it possible? Who on this planet could like so much shitty content seriously?
I have a simple theory: I think fewer and fewer people use facebook and prefer sharing content on Instagram. The fewer people using facebook, the more room for ads. This theory is the result of my observations, very unscientific though.
2 years ago, I had already noticed more and more ads. Let's be honest a second: The ads are so bad and irrelevant most of the time but being confronted with them regularly is not without consequences. So I started reporting and hiding them:
Unfortunately, as you can see, it has no impact, it's even worse I would say. A radical solution would be to get rid of facebook which also means getting rid of messenger, which is not an option for me at this time. Another solution is to disable your account. And good news: you can still use messenger even if your facebook account is disabled.
| Post | Suggestion | Sponsor | Relevance | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ancient Aliens Theory | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #2 | Amazon Fresh | ✓ | ❌ | / | |
| #3 | Dany Morel | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #4 | The Carz Pagevv | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #5 | Romain Lanéry | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #6 | PepcoConnect | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #7 | entrepreneurauthority | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #8 | Random Reel videos | ✓ | ❌ | / | |
| #9 | Toopet | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #10 | Optimum Nutrition | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #11 | Mecanicien actu | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #12 | nba_flames | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #13 | Marvelous world of fiction | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #14 | Zevo | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #15 | A facebook group I belong to | ✓ | / | ||
| #16 | LADBible Australia | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #17 | Money Driven Dream | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #18 | Wendy's | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #29 | Guillaume Pley | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #20 | Bon Iver | ✓ | Link | ||
| #21 | A Facebook group about music | ✓ | / | ||
| #22 | NEA today | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #23 | nobodyspecial | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #24 | Trey RatCliff | ✓ | Link | ||
| #25 | A friend's post | ✓ | / | ||
| #26 | State Farm | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #27 | Another friend's post | ✓ | / | ||
| #28 | A friend selling a furniture | ✓ | / | ||
| #39 | A post about a person I follow | ✓ | / | ||
| #30 | NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #31 | A post about sport news | ✓ | / | ||
| #32 | The Wall Street Journal | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #33 | frontelineboutique.co | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #34 | Wonderful world of gaming | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #35 | A friend has changed his profile picture | ✓ | / | ||
| #36 | Skull Shaver | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #37 | A friend sharing a post about summer activities | ✓ | / | ||
| #38 | Sport news again | ✓ | / | ||
| #39 | A friend selling furnitures | ✓ | / | ||
| #40 | Modelo | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #41 | Romain Lanéry | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #42 | Modded Detroit Car Shows | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #43 | A friend sharing some pictures | ✓ | / | ||
| #44 | Alchemical Records | ✓ | ❌ | Link | |
| #45 | A friend sharing a post about soccer | ✓ | / | ||
| Total | 18 ✓ | 12 ✓ | 15 ✓ |