My father requested a tutorial on "how the reels work." I obliged, showing him the basic mechanics of scrolling, tapping, the whole thing. Simple enough. I expected mild interest at best.
Instead, within minutes, the algorithm served him a video of a dog reuniting with its owner after a long time apart. And my dad - my composed, no-nonsense father - got GENUINELY emotional. Visibly moved. Over a dog.
He watched it once. Then again. Then a third time. A FOURTH time. Fully absorbing every second of this reunion each round.
And then, the final stage of reel enlightenment: he forwarded it to the entire family WhatsApp group. Complete with a heartfelt caption. Sharing the emotional experience with all his relatives, spreading the dog content far and wide.
I have never, in my entire life, seen this man this invested in any piece of content. Not a movie, not a cricket match, nothing. One dog reunion reel cracked him wide open.
The algorithm works fast. It found his exact weakness - animals and reunions - and claimed him within his first hour. He's hooked now. But honestly? Of all the rabbit holes to fall into, wholesome dog reels is the softest, sweetest possible outcome. Welcome to the feed, Dad. It's been expecting you.