The notification “you might not know this person” on a social media platform arises from algorithmic analysis. The platform evaluates various data points, such as mutual friends, shared groups, employment history, location, or information from uploaded contacts. If limited connections exist, or data points suggest minimal association between users, the platform might conclude that the individual is unlikely to be known. For example, if two users share only one mutual friend and reside in different geographic locations, the system could determine a low likelihood of familiarity.
This function benefits users by presenting potential connections that might otherwise be overlooked. It can lead to the expansion of social networks and discovery of individuals with shared interests or professional backgrounds. Originally, such features were implemented to encourage user engagement and platform growth by suggesting relevant connections. Over time, the underlying algorithms have become more sophisticated, incorporating a wider range of signals to refine the accuracy of these suggestions.