Your Facebook Posts Stop Working In May - Here's What Every Cork Business Must Know Now
- PJ Rynd
- Jan 18
- 4 min read
Facebook just started testing something in the EU that could destroy years of "algorithm optimization" work.
Two feed options:
AI-curated (algorithmic)
Chronological (user-controlled)
Most Cork agencies are still optimizing for the algorithmic feed.
But if users opt out of algorithms entirely?
All that "optimization" becomes worthless.
What's Actually Happening
Due to EU regulatory pressure, Facebook is testing the ability for users to choose:
Option 1: Algorithmic Feed (default)
AI decides what you see
Based on engagement, interests, behavior
What most users have now
Option 2: Chronological Feed
See posts in time order
From pages/people you actually follow
No AI curation
Why Facebook is doing this: EU regulations pushing for user control over algorithms.
(Sources: Social Media Today, StoryChief 2026 Algorithm Reports)
Why This Matters for Cork Businesses
For the last 10+ years, Cork agencies have been selling "algorithm optimization":
"We know how to beat the algorithm"
"Our content is optimized for maximum reach"
"We understand Facebook's ranking system"
What they actually mean: "We create content the AI algorithm likes."
But if users opt out of the algorithm?
That optimization means nothing.
The Two Different Strategies
STRATEGY 1: Algorithmic Feed Optimization
What works:
Engagement bait
Emotional content
Video (especially Reels)
Comments/shares
Time on post
What Cork agencies focus on:
Viral potential
Engagement metrics
Algorithm-pleasing content
Problem: Only works if users keep algorithmic feeds enabled.
STRATEGY 2: Chronological Feed Strategy
What works:
Consistent posting
Relevant content
Actually being followed
Quality over virality
Community building
What matters:
Do people actually WANT to see your content?
Are you worth following?
Do you post consistently?
Advantage: Works regardless of algorithm settings.
The Data Cork Agencies Aren't Sharing
According to Social Media Today's 2026 predictions:
Current user sentiment:
Growing awareness of algorithm manipulation
Increasing desire for control
EU regulations enabling opt-outs
What's coming:
More users choosing chronological feeds
Especially among 35-55 age group (your target market)
Reduced effectiveness of "algorithm hacks"
Timeline: Expect wider EU rollout Q2-Q3 2026.
What This Means for Your €1,500/Month Retainer
If your Cork agency's strategy is built on:
"We know the algorithm"
"Our content is optimized for reach"
"We maximize algorithmic distribution"
That strategy has an expiration date.
When users opt out of algorithms:
Your "optimized" content performs the same as any other content
Engagement bait stops working
You're back to basics: Is your content actually good?
The Uncomfortable Truth
Facebook's original justification for algorithms (2013):
"Every time someone visits News Feed there are, on average 1,500, potential stories from friends, people they follow and Pages for them to see, and most people don't have enough time to see them all."
But in 2026?
Facebook is ADDING content from pages you DON'T follow (mostly Reels).
So the "too much content" problem Facebook claimed to solve?
They're making it worse.
Which means: The original reason for algorithms no longer holds.
Result: Users will increasingly opt for chronological feeds to escape algorithmic manipulation.
What Actually Matters in Both Feeds
Whether users choose algorithmic or chronological, these still matter:
1. Consistency
Both feeds reward regular posting.
Algorithmic: Shows "active" pages more
Chronological: Keeps you visible in the feed
2. Relevance
Both feeds prioritize content people actually want.
Algorithmic: Engagement signals
Chronological: Following behavior
3. Quality
Both feeds benefit from good content.
Algorithmic: Time spent, shares
Chronological: Unfollowing vs staying followed
4. Community
Both feeds reward actual relationships.
Algorithmic: Comments, DMs, interactions
Chronological: Genuine followers who want your content
The Cork Business Advantage
Here's the good news:
Cork businesses with REAL community don't need algorithm tricks.
You have:
Actual customers who want to see your content
Real local connections
Genuine community relationships
Authentic stories
In a chronological feed world?
You win.
In an algorithmic feed world?
You still need those things.
What To Do About It
If You're Working With a Cork Agency:
Ask them: "What's your strategy if users opt out of algorithmic feeds?"
Red flag answers:
"That won't happen"
"The algorithm isn't going anywhere"
"We'll adapt when it happens"
Good answers:
"We focus on building genuine followers"
"Our strategy works in both feed types"
"We prioritize quality and consistency over algorithm tricks"
If You're Managing Your Own Social:
Focus on:
Posting consistently (3-5x/week minimum)
Creating content people actually want
Building real community (not just followers)
Being genuinely helpful
Engaging with your audience daily
Don't focus on:
Viral tricks
Engagement bait
Algorithm hacks
Quantity over quality
The Two Scenarios
SCENARIO 1: Users Keep Algorithmic Feeds
What wins:
Engaging content
Video (especially Reels)
Emotional hooks
Shareability
Your agency's "optimization" still has value.
SCENARIO 2: Users Switch to Chronological
What wins:
Consistency
Relevance
Quality
Genuine community
Your agency's "optimization" becomes worthless.
The smart strategy?
Build for SCENARIO 2.
If SCENARIO 1 continues, you still win.
If SCENARIO 2 happens, you're prepared.
The Bottom Line
Facebook is testing user control over algorithms.
EU regulations are pushing for opt-outs.
By Q3 2026, expect more users choosing chronological feeds.
Cork agencies selling "algorithm optimization"?
That's a strategy with an expiration date.
Cork businesses building real community?
That works in any feed type.
Next post: The 5 mistakes killing 90% of Cork businesses' social media (that agencies won't fix)
Want a Feed-Proof Social Strategy?
I offer free 10-minute assessments where I'll review:
Your current strategy's algorithm dependence
How prepared you are for chronological feeds
Whether your content works in BOTH scenarios
Sources & References:
Social Media Today, "2026 Planning: Algorithmic Polarization" (January 2026)
StoryChief, "Social Media Algorithm News 2026: Latest Updates and Tips" (November 2025)
Meta policy changes re: EU regulations (2025-2026)
Facebook's 2013 News Feed algorithm announcement (historical context)
About the Author:
PJ Rynd runs RYND, a Cork-based digital consultancy. Our social media strategies work in both algorithmic AND chronological feeds - because we focus on genuine community, not algorithm tricks.
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