A Body Positive Guide to Making the Algorithm Work for You
The algorithms that determine what shows up on your screen work in mysterious ways but with an undeniable purpose. Why do you see the same kinds of content from the same creators over and over again? Why does one quick search for a shapewear bodysuit seem to add a ton of ads about body shapers to your feed?
The algorithm wants your attention
The plain and simple answer is that algorithms are designed to capture your attention. They give you more of what you are likely to engage with. Your social media and search engines are keeping track of every click, every view, every scroll, every like, every share, every comment, every search and every location you are connected with. They use this to serve up content that other people with profiles similar to yours have engaged with.
Thankfully, you can consciously influence your feed if you want to. If you’ve ever felt drained by unrealistic body standards online, and you’re not alone, you can turn things around by choosing what you search for and how to interact with it. Your feed is a form of self-talk. You can shape your feed into a space that’s uplifting, confidence-boosting, and aligned with your values.
Shapewear bodysuit – a case in point
For example, say you’ve been shopping for a shapewear bodysuit. Every search that you enter tells the search engine and all its advertisers what to show you. They will compare your profile to the millions of others who have searched for shapewear bodysuit and feed you content that those searchers of such body shapers have engaged with. They will also send you content advertisers pay to put in your face.
Every search says, “this is something I am interested in”. If you deliberately seek out posts from body-positive influencers, honest product reviewers, and brands that celebrate women’s bodies, the algorithm will begin showing you more of that kind of content. Every link you click on says, “this is something I want”. Every time you scroll through a page, it says, “I am interested in seeing more”. Consciously engage with the kind of content you want, and soon, your search results and recommendations will feature people and products that make you feel empowered, not pressured.
Why Curating Your Feed Matters
Your feed can affect your mood, self-image, your shopping decisions and even your view of the world. It happens to all of us: whatever we see frequently defines our idea of normal. When it’s airbrushed bodies, and size zero outfits, it’s easy to conclude we don’t measure up, or that we need to change to be “normal”. Because algorithms are continuously collecting the signals you send them, you can search for and engage with authentic, body-positive voices, and you’ll start to see a shift.
That’s especially helpful when you’re exploring something like a shapewear bodysuit. Instead of landing on overly filtered ads or unrealistic before-and-after shots, you could be finding relatable reviews, style tips, and examples of real women wearing pieces that work for them.
How to Make the Algorithm Work for You
Search for the Good Content – Look for hashtags like #BodyPositive, #CurvyStyle, and #ShapewearBodysuit. Interact with posts that inspire you, by clicking on them and scrolling through them. Skip past anything that leaves you feeling discouraged.
Follow the Right Voices – Find influencers who are open about their experiences. Whether that’s styling a favorite dress, reviewing a piece of shapewear, or simply celebrating everyday confidence, you can tell honest content from paid endorsement. Don’t waste time (or “likes”) on the latter.
Engage positively and often – Like, share, and comment on posts and content you love. That is your most effective vote for more of the same. Don’t bother with negative comments, because that is a form of engagement too and the algorithm just wants your attention. They use fear, greed and outrage as the most effective emotions to capture your attention. Don’t let them.
They are watching
Think of the content algorithms as your most attentive audience, always watching everything you do on the web or social media. If you are intentionally searching for, following, and engaging with positive content, you will curate a feed that builds you up instead of wearing you down. Whether you’re exploring fashion, fitness, or a shapewear bodysuit, choose sources that celebrate confidence, authenticity, real bodies and real people.
