RSS: the no-algorithm protocol

Most platforms love their algorithms. An algorithm let the platform define what you see, and algorithms can be optimised to make sure you keep scrolling and get the max number of advertisements served.

Platforms like Instagram are fighting against the right of a timeline not dictated by an algorithm, but simply defined by time. Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram even warned that users will have a worse experience when moving to a chronological timeline. He might be right when you follow 1000s of accounts. But as long as you limit your instagram following to the people you are really interested in, a chronological timeline works fine, and helps you distinguish (and ignore) advertisements much better. Which might not be what Adam wants you to do.

Of course the best way to get away from algorithms is to build your own timeline. That can be done using RSS. It’s an older but still very useful protocol. There are a large number of RSS apps available, and they let you follow newspapers, blogs and more. Unfortunately most social media platforms like Instagram do not support RSS (it would break their algorithm and advertisement model). But a platform like YouTube does. It let you follow YouTube channels without an algorithm.

I have used several RSS readers over the years (the good thing is you can export your feed and import it in another app) I have used Feedly, Inoreader and Reader. They all have their benefits, and all are actually good. Currently I am using Unread. I have structured my feeds in a number of categories (News, Technology, Food, Creativity, Society) which makes reading easier. Almost like the sections of a newspaper. Following hundreds of feeds gives me a very complete timeline, chronologically ordered and without advertisements. And helps me limit the use of social media to friends & family.