If you have noticed a clear change in the content you see on Facebook lately, you are not alone. Many users have reported seeing a disproportionate amount of content from pages they do not follow. So what did Facebook change this time?
Article contents:
- Introduction: Did something change in your feed?
- Did the Facebook algorithm change?
- Recent updates: From local to friends
- What changed this month? The role of artificial intelligence
- How can you control what you see on Facebook?
- Remember: Your interactions matter
- Conclusion: Regaining control of your feed
Introduction: Did something change in your feed?
Many IndyStar newsroom members reported seeing a disproportionate amount of content from pages they do not follow over the past few days. As journalists who spend a lot of time monitoring social media, we are often among the first to notice small changes on platforms. Therefore, this made us wonder, what is Facebook messing with now?
Did the Facebook algorithm change?
The simple answer is yes, because the algorithms that determine the content you see on your social media platforms are constantly evolving. Every time you watch a few extra seconds of a cat video, the bots notice and make it more likely that you will see more cats in the near future.
Recent updates: From local to friends
Meta announced in the fall of 2024 that it was testing new tabs to make it easier to find local events and communities. In March 2025, it continued to prioritize a more local approach with a new “Friends” tab that will show you only posts and updates from friends as a way to return to the platform’s roots. You will find it in the bottom navigation bar of the mobile app.
In April, Meta announced a crackdown on spam accounts and a focus on prioritizing users and creators who use the platform as intended. Accounts that produce automated content or “game the system” will be deprioritized.
What changed this month? The role of artificial intelligence
Regarding major updates this month, there were no official announcements from the company, but many users reported seeing a difference in their feeds. Meta has not hidden its investment in artificial intelligence, and the algorithm and platform rely on AI more than ever. At the same time, the app is working to prioritize content from friends, remove spam, adjust the amount and type of news content users see, and more. The details of the algorithm are a somewhat closely guarded secret, and thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, it can vary from one user to another.
How can you control what you see on Facebook?
Facebook allows users some input into what they see on the platform. By clicking on your menu (top right on desktop, bottom right on the mobile app) and going to the Settings & Privacy section, you can go to your personal settings and adjust your content preferences. This will allow you to:
- View less sensitive content.
- Reduce political content from accounts you do not follow.
- Adjust the content you see from friends. You can snooze that uncle who posts dozens of times a day, or choose to reconnect with people who have disappeared from your feed and more.
Remember: Your interactions matter
Additionally, remember that every time you interact with content in the form of likes, shares, comments, or even just watching a video or spending time on a post, it is likely being logged. Social media platforms compete for your time, so if you spend it on a piece of content, it will likely try to replicate that later.
Conclusion: Regaining control of your feed
While algorithms will always remain somewhat of a “black box,” understanding how they work and using the tools provided by Facebook can help you regain some control over your feed. By adjusting your preferences and thinking about your interactions, you can help train the algorithm to show you more of what you want to see—and more of your friends.
