WHY DID I GET THAT FRIEND SUGGESTION???

Ever wonder why Facebook, Instagram or another social platform suddenly suggests someone you don't remember ever searching for, and might NOT ever want on your friends’ list?

I’ve done the research for you because I often get these, as I’m sure you do, and I wondered, “WHY???”

There are a few reasons: It may be because the algorithm has detected several signals that point toward a possible connection. Something like this: two people might share a public IP/network (same internet connection at home or work,) have several mutual friends, communicate regularly, comment on each other's posts, live in similar locations, belong to the same groups, have overlapping contact information, or show other patterns suggesting their accounts may be connected.

No single signal means very much but a combination of cues does.

Like this:

Same network + 12 mutual friends + frequent interaction + repeated comments + similar location.

Algorithms don’t have to know WHY people are connected to make a prediction that there is a reasonable probability these two people know each other...so, a friend or follow suggestion pops up.

That's a prediction based on correlated signals—not mind-reading. The algorithm might reasonably predict that two people are connected but it may have no idea whether they're spouses, siblings, coworkers, neighbours, friends, business associates—or simply two people who happen to share a lot of digital or social infrastructure.

So when you see a friend or follow suggestion, it doesn't necessarily mean “the algorithm knows something about this person and me.”

It may be saying: “I've noticed a bunch of dots. I'm going to see if you'd like to connect them.”

Mystery solved.

You’re welcome!

Ziana.
Stay safe and be well,

Ziana.

Ziana de Bethune