Top tips is a weekly column where we highlight what’s trending in the tech world today and list ways to explore these trends. This week, we’re discussing a few ways you can stop yourself from getting influenced by the internet.
In this internet age, you may wonder whether your thoughts are truly your own or merely influenced by what you see online. As a human that’s shaped by your surroundings, what you see and hear easily becomes part of who you are.
Ever heard of the chameleon effect? It describes how behavior is subtly shaped when spending time with friends. You’ll naturally mirror their posture, facial expressions, and energy. A similar effect occurs when you interact with the internet—your emotions and thoughts tend to mimic what you consume.
What does this mean?
Your thoughts, opinions, and desires are now an amalgamation of what the algorithm feeds you. And while you can’t entirely disconnect from the internet, you can develop a few healthy habits that improve the way you engage with it.
1. Use incognito mode
A survey conducted in the United Kingdom revealed that only 12% of respondents used private browsing or incognito mode daily. In contrast, over 40% had never used or even heard of the option.
Browsing in incognito mode seems like a no-brainer, yet you may forget to leverage it. You’ve probably searched for something online and then been bombarded with ads that aim to influence your decisions. Browsing in incognito mode helps prevent being placed in an internet echo chamber!
So, when you’re researching something and don’t want to be tracked or targeted with ads or other content, incognito mode is your best friend.
2. Turn off algorithmic feeds whenever possible
When you open social media and streaming services, you’re served the latest trending content. This constant exposure shapes your opinions, making them eerily similar to those of others. If you’re looking to cultivate independent thoughts and opinions, reducing algorithmic influence is essential.
Here’s a simple way to take control of what you see on Instragram, though most social media apps will offer similar options:
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Find any suggested post or sponsored ad in your feed.
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Tap the three-dot icon located at the top-right of the post.
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Select Not Interested to hide similar content.
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Alternatively, choose Snooze Suggested Posts for 30 Days in your settings to pause recommendations temporarily.
While using entertainment apps, you can turn off recommendations with the following steps:
For YouTube, go to Settings > History & Privacy, and choose Clear watch/search history. For Netflix, you can navigate to your Account > Viewing Activity and select Hide Titles.
Taking these small actions can make a big difference in breaking free from the influence of algorithmic feeds.
3. Think twice before you engage
Every interaction you have on the internet is measured as engagement. The more you engage, the more of that content you’re fed. You may have noticed this while doomscrolling. The more you interact with a certain type of content, the more you’re flooded with similar content. So, before you like, comment, or share a post or video, think twice. Do you really want to see more of that content? Your engagement dictates what shows up on your feed, so use it wisely.
4. Use external tools
Let’s be honest—relying solely on self-discipline to control internet usage is challenging. The best approach is to use external tools like ad blockers or content limiters that help limit your exposure to targeted and recommended content. These tools can block specific sites, filter out ads, and restrict content that’s designed to grab your attention. This way, you stay in control and avoid being swayed by what’s trending or gaining attention.
A final word
In today’s world, it’s difficult not to be influenced. When you spend more time online than you do with friends or family, it’s only natural to be shaped by the internet. But you can strive to do better. While you may not eliminate the internet’s influence entirely, you can certainly reduce it with conscious effort. By taking small, intentional steps like browsing incognito, turning off algorithm-fuelled feeds, and leaning on tools like ad blockers, you can regain control over what influences you.
