Family, Friends & The Algorithm: Navigating Today’s Social Media

When social media first burst onto the scene, it was all about connection — instantly sharing photos, updates, and life moments with family and friends, no matter the distance. For genealogists, it became a thrilling new way to share family tree discoveries, vintage photos, and ancestral stories with relatives who might otherwise never hear them.

But as we all know, social media has evolved.

Before long, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok became spaces not just to connect with loved ones, but also to meet others who share your passions. For the genealogy community, this was a game-changer. Suddenly, we weren’t just posting updates for Aunt Dolores or Cousin Shannon; we were finding DNA cousins, local history buffs, and headstone cleaners from across the world. Social media opened doors to communities we never would have found offline.

Enter: The Algorithm

The algorithm’s job? To help you see more of what you like. It doesn’t just show you posts from family and friends; it studies what you engage with — what you like, comment on, save, and share — and serves you up more of that content. One thing the algorithm can't tell is if you have taken a screenshot of something, at least for now.

If you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed that your feed is now filled with genealogy memes, historical archives, family story reels, or even cemetery restoration videos. (Who doesn’t love a good headstone cleaning time-lapse?)

But let’s be honest, some of us rarely see our cousin’s vacation photos or our old friend’s updates anymore. Why? Maybe we weren’t engaging with their posts, or maybe they’re just not posting much. Over time, the algorithm picks up on that, gradually replacing their content with posts you consistently engage with — like those fascinating DNA match breakdowns or 19th-century photo restorations.

For You Page vs. Following Feed

This is where features like the For You Page (FYP) come into play. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook now offer an endless stream of curated content designed just for you — a playground for discovering new creators, new communities, and fresh voices.

Here’s the key difference:

• The FYP is about growth and exploration — seeing new faces, fresh content, and expanding your circles.

• Your Following feed is about intentional connection — keeping up with the people and communities you’ve chosen to follow.

For genealogists, this means balancing two powerful opportunities:

1. Exploring new resources — finding fresh research tips, discovering niche creators, and staying on top of the latest tools and trends through your FYP.

2. Engaging intentionally — showing up for the genealogy groups, mutuals, and family connections you’ve already built.

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Be Intentional With Your Time

Let’s be real, it’s easy to slip into endless scrolling on the FYP. That’s exactly what it’s designed for. Fifteen minutes can quickly turn into two hours without even realizing it.

But when we go straight to our Following feed, we engage more purposefully with the people and creators we’ve intentionally invited into our social spaces. This is where real connection happens — whether it’s supporting a fellow family historian’s latest discovery, helping a beginner break through a brick wall, or sharing your own research updates with your circle.

So here’s my little personal challenge (and maybe yours too):✅ Spend more time on the Following feed, supporting and engaging with the genealogy community I’ve curated. (If you need help figuring out where your Following feed is, just let me know!)✅ Use the FYP as a fun treat — a place to explore when I have extra time, not as my default scroll.

A Few Eye-Opening Stats

To put this in perspective:

• A 2023 Pew Research study found that 72% of U.S. adults use at least one social media platform.

• TikTok reports that its FYP algorithm helps drive over 1 billion videos watched daily.

• Studies show that posts with higher engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) are 4x more likely to show up in followers’ feeds.

Translation? Your engagement shapes your experience. The more you interact with your genealogy community, the more you’ll see their content and the more they’ll see yours.

Final Thoughts

Social media has changed a lot over the years. But at its heart, it’s still about connection — whether that’s with family, friends, or a vibrant global community of people who share your passions.

As genealogists, we have an incredible opportunity to not just consume content but to contribute meaningfully. Let’s show up with intention, support each other, and make the most of these evolving platforms.

And hey — the next time you’re tempted to scroll for “just a few minutes,” maybe jump into your Following feed first. Your community is waiting. 💛

Let’s keep the conversation going! 

Do you ever struggle to connect with the genealogy community online or wonder what to post to share your family history journey? You’re not alone — and I’m here to help!

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