"The Algorithm" (whatever that means) can trace you only so far as you're visible online. Using a VPN they can trace you only to the point where your VPN tunnel terminates and no further. In order to successfully track you they would need to successfully isolate and pinpoint your P.O.O.I.P (Point Of Origin Internet Provider) address to successfully pinpoint your location but only if you're on a PC, Laptop or other portable Computer. Unfortunately, VPNs don't work with Mobile Phones since the always-on Global Positioning System can easily pinpoint your location without needing to pass through to your IP address.

As for "The Algorithm" pushing your buttons... Again, if you're on a PC, Laptop or even a Pad, you can again take advantage of a VPN to mask that and putting a no-track addon helps too. There are also simple browser "masks" you can use that make your browsing truly private so that "The Algorithm" can't see what you're browsing and, therefore, can't predict what you'd like or dislike.

A lot of people say, "use TOR." What they don't realize is that TOR is so hacked and full of holes that it's virtually useless, not to mention that the TOR browser is incredibly slow and practically useless so why even bother with that? Anyway, that's my two cents on all of that.