The algorithmic suggestions of potential connections on social networking platforms are a prominent feature designed to expand users’ networks. These suggestions are personalized recommendations, proposing individuals with whom a user might have an existing, but perhaps unrecognized, relationship. For example, if an individual joins a social media site, the platform will likely present a list of other users who share characteristics such as mutual friends, employers, or educational institutions.
This feature serves to facilitate network growth and foster engagement within the platform. By suggesting relevant connections, the platform encourages users to connect with more people, leading to increased content consumption and platform activity. Historically, these suggestions relied heavily on shared connections, but over time, the algorithms have become more sophisticated, incorporating a wider range of data points to predict potential relationships.
