How did the shift from Instagram feeds to algorithmic sorting change what we actually see?

the algorithm stopped showing you what your friends and follows posted in order and started serving you what keeps you scrolling - so you'd see a viral video from someone you don't follow while missing posts from people you actually care about. it turned into less of a window into your circle and more of a slot machine designed to hook your attention, which meant polarizing content and rage bait got amplified way more than a thoughtful photo your buddy shared last week. the feed became less about connection and more about engagement metrics, which is why so many people felt like instagram stopped feeling like instagram around that time.