Hi folks, I’ve been thinking about platform algorithms lately and I thought you might want to discuss them. Last year I asked whether it was better for platform members to be connected or engaged.

Should platforms focus on getting more comments, reactions, and replies, or should they strive to build connections between their users? This is where the algorithm comes in.

Rather than focusing on the risk of polarisation brought on by a focus on * spoiler * engagement-based algorithms, I’ve been wondering about different flavours of content-surfacing algorithms.

A lot of platforms use things like highest engagement in the last X days or new but rapidly growing, but I’m curious how else platforms can help discussions and content bubble up in a way that is satisfying?

What factors would your content-surfacing algorithm consider (e.g. total engagement, unique members, date it was shared, etc.)? What flavour would your algorithm be?

Let us know in the replies!