How to Train Your Algorithm Instead of Letting It Train You

In Episode 68 of the Collective Perspective Podcast, hosts Jeff Aldrich and Travis Eadens tackle a topic that affects every scroll, click, and swipe we make: algorithms. More importantly, they explore how those algorithms are quietly shaping our thoughts, moods, and worldview—and what we can do to take that control back.

This episode isn’t about ditching technology altogether. It’s about learning how to use it intentionally.

Here is a summary of the main concepts discussed on this episode:

How Algorithms Shape What You See (and Think)

Jeff and Travis break down how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Google are designed to feed us more of what we engage with—whether that’s helpful, harmful, or just plain divisive. Over time, this creates echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs while slowly filtering out opposing viewpoints.

The result? A digital experience that feels personalized but often narrows our perspective and fuels unnecessary tension.

Your Digital Footprint Is Always Talking

One of the lighter moments in the episode touches on the eerie feeling of “thinking about something” and then seeing ads for it everywhere. While humorous, it opens the door to a deeper truth: every like, pause, comment, and click trains your algorithm. Even passive scrolling sends signals.

How to Actively Train Your Algorithm

Jeff and Travis offer practical, real-world strategies to stop being a passive consumer and start becoming a curator:

• Adjust app permissions and limit unnecessary data access

• Take intentional breaks from platforms to reset habits

• Use “not interested” and unfollow features liberally

• Engage with content that reflects your values

• Follow creators who promote thoughtful, ethical dialogue

• Use different platforms for different types of content to avoid mental tunnel vision

Choosing Positivity Over Division

At its core, this episode is about reclaiming agency. Jeff and Travis emphasize that while online spaces feel divided, real life often isn’t. Training your algorithm to prioritize thoughtful, balanced, and positive content helps bridge that gap—and improves how we show up offline.

Final Thoughts: Train It Like a Muscle

The episode closes with a simple truth: just like physical health, digital health requires consistency. What you feed your mind matters.

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Training Your Algorithm: Taking Control of Your Content Feed

In this episode of the Collective Perspective podcast, hosts Jeff and Travis discuss the concept of training digital algorithms to enhance personal content feeds. They delve into the impact algorithms have on individual user experience, explain how preferences and behaviors shape the content served, and share strategies for gaining control over what appears on your feed. Key tips include turning off app microphones, liking and interacting with desired content, and selectively unfollowing or limiting engagement with negative or polarizing posts.

The hosts also touch on the role of algorithms in breeding extremism and division and emphasize the importance of finding common ground and positive interactions online. Through their personal experiment and anecdotes, they encourage listeners to curate a healthier, more meaningful digital diet.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Real People

00:37 How to Train Your Algorithm

01:41 The Intricacies of Algorithms

05:33 Practical Tips for Algorithm Control

09:09 The Social Media Experiment

09:56 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

16:04 Strategies for a Healthier Algorithm

27:20 Conclusion: Finding Common Ground