LinkedIn suggests people you may know using a combination of algorithms and data analysis, not because those people are explicitly sending suggestions about you. Here’s how LinkedIn determines these connections:
1. Shared Connections
If you and another person have mutual connections, LinkedIn assumes there’s a likelihood you know each other. For example:
- If you’re connected to Person A and Person B, LinkedIn might suggest Person A to Person B, or vice versa.
2. Shared Affiliations
LinkedIn uses data from your profile to identify people with whom you share:
- Employers: Current or past work at the same company, even during overlapping time periods.
- Education: Attending the same schools, especially during the same years.
- Groups: Membership in the same professional groups or interest-based communities on LinkedIn.
3. Contacts Imported from Your Email or Phone
- If you or someone else imports their contacts (email or phone), LinkedIn cross-references those contacts with its user base. If both of you are on LinkedIn, you may appear in each other’s “People You May Know” list.
- LinkedIn does not send these suggestions directly; the system uses uploaded contact data to generate potential matches.
4. Searches and Interactions
LinkedIn tracks:
- Profiles you’ve viewed.
- Profiles others have viewed or searched that are similar to yours.
- Engagement with posts, comments, and likes.
If someone interacts with your content or profile, LinkedIn might suggest them to you (and you to them).
5. Data from External Sources
LinkedIn sometimes uses third-party integrations, such as email services or calendar tools, to identify potential connections. For example:
- If your email address or phone number is in another LinkedIn user’s contacts, LinkedIn might suggest you to each other.
6. Location
Users in your geographic area or those who have worked/lived in the same location might also be suggested, especially if combined with other factors like shared industry or education.
Are Suggestions Sent by Other People?
No, suggestions are not directly sent by other people. Instead:
- If someone views your profile, interacts with your content, or uploads their contact list containing your details, LinkedIn might use that data to suggest them to you and vice versa.
- The process is automated and driven by algorithms.
Privacy Concerns
Some people may feel uncomfortable with how accurately LinkedIn can predict connections. To mitigate this:
- Avoid uploading your full contact list if you’re concerned about privacy.
- Adjust LinkedIn privacy settings to control who can see your activity or whether others can find you using your contact details.
If you’re curious about specific connections, feel free to ask for more clarification!
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