The question of whether the social networking platform Facebook suggests potential friends based on individuals who have viewed a user’s profile is a recurring topic of discussion. Official statements from the company assert that profile views are not a factor in its “People You May Know” friend suggestion algorithm. This algorithm instead relies on factors such as mutual friends, participation in the same groups, connections to the same networks (e.g., schools or workplaces), contacts uploaded by users, and tags or check-ins on photos and places.
Understanding how friend suggestions are generated is important for maintaining privacy and controlling one’s online presence. The platform’s friend suggestion system aims to connect individuals with whom they are likely to have pre-existing or potential relationships. While profile views might seem like a straightforward indicator of interest, incorporating them into the algorithm could raise significant privacy concerns and lead to unwanted contact between users. Historically, user privacy has been a prominent concern in the evolution of social media, driving platforms to prioritize user control and data security.
