Browsing Instagram’s “Who You Might Know” section can be puzzling. You might notice people you follow, friends of friends, or even individuals with no apparent connection to you. This prompts the question: Does this section show the most recent profile viewers?
While it may seem like it, these suggestions aren’t necessarily based on recent profile visits. Many users share their curiosity about this feature’s mechanics. For answers, explore our blog.
Does Who You Might Know on Instagram Notification Mean That Was the Most Recent Person Who Viewed Your Profile?
Instagram’s “Who You Might Know” feature can be intriguing and unsettling. However, it doesn’t indicate who has recently viewed your profile. Instead, it’s based on a complex algorithm considering various factors to suggest users who might be connected to you.
Instagram’s algorithm aims to introduce you to people who could potentially be relevant to you or with whom you might have a relationship. The platform aims to foster new connections among users who aren’t already following each other.
While Instagram hasn’t revealed the specifics of how these suggestions are determined—likely to protect user privacy and ensure a positive experience—several factors may influence the curated list.
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They are in your contacts.
Many of our phone contacts are also on Instagram, but we don’t necessarily follow all of them. If you see a contact’s name in the “Who You Might Know” section, Instagram has likely matched their phone number with their account.
You can remove their phone number from your contacts or reject them directly to prevent such suggestions.
You are in their contacts
There’s another explanation if you find someone in your “Who You Might Know” section despite not having their contact details. They might have saved your number in their phone, prompting Instagram to suggest a connection between you.
To avoid such suggestions, you can turn off contact syncing in your Instagram settings.
Instagram detects you live somewhere close to them
Many of us like to share our location when posting photos on Instagram. If you frequently tag your hometown, Instagram will recognize it as a place you visit often.
If Instagram frequently identifies another user posting from the exact location, they may appear in your “Who You Might Know” suggestions. Unfortunately, stopping location sharing won’t entirely prevent these recommendations, as the algorithm relies on other factors to suggest potential connections.
You are Facebook friends.
If you connect your Facebook and Instagram accounts, your Facebook friends may appear in your “Who You Might Know” list. However, this only happens if they are on Instagram and you aren’t already following each other.
There’s no need to worry if you see someone unexpected, like your professor, in this section. You can simply block them if you prefer not to have them see your account.
You have mutual followers.
If you follow two close friends on Instagram who attend the same university, you might see their new college friends in your “Who You Might Know” section. Since your friends likely follow their new college acquaintances, Instagram identifies you as having mutual connections and suggests these new contacts to you. This helps facilitate potential interactions on the platform.
You were in the same high school.
Here’s another way Instagram might determine who appears in your “Who You Might Know” list: if you and the suggested user are Facebook friends and have linked your Instagram and Facebook accounts, Instagram can use your shared information.
Many of us list our schools and universities on Facebook, including start and end dates. If someone you recommend has attended the same institution, Instagram might suggest them as a potential connection based on this shared background.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the “Who You Might Know” notification on Instagram mean?
The “Who You Might Know” notification suggests users with connections to you, such as mutual friends or shared interests. It does not indicate the most recent person who viewed your profile.
How does Instagram determine who appears in the “Who You Might Know” section?
Instagram uses a complex algorithm considering various factors, including mutual connections, contact information, and shared locations. The suggestions aim to help you discover people who might be relevant to you rather than indicating recent profile visitors.
Can the “Who You Might Know” list include people who have viewed my profile recently?
No, the “Who You Might Know” is not based on recent profile views. It is generated based on factors like mutual followers, contacts, and location, not on who has recently viewed your profile.
Why do I see people I don’t know in the “Who You Might Know” section?
You might see unfamiliar faces due to shared connections, mutual friends, or because the person has your contact information saved. Instagram suggests these users based on the potential relevance of the connection.
How can I prevent certain people from appearing in my “Who You Might Know” list?
You can adjust your contact syncing settings or remove specific contacts from your phone to reduce unwanted suggestions. Additionally, blocking or restricting users can prevent them from appearing in your suggestions.
Does turning off location sharing affect the “Who You Might Know” recommendations?
While turning off location sharing can reduce some suggestions, it does not eliminate them. The recommendations are influenced by various factors, including mutual connections and shared information, not just location data.
Are there any privacy settings to manage the “Who You Might Know” suggestions?
Instagram does not provide specific settings to manage or control the “Who You Might Know” suggestions directly. However, you can adjust your privacy settings, manage contact syncing, and block users to influence the suggestions you receive.
Conclusion
The “Who You Might Know” feature on Instagram is designed to help users discover potential connections based on various factors, such as mutual friends, shared locations, and contact information. It does not reflect the most recent profile visitors.
If you encounter people you don’t know or wish to adjust the suggestions, consider managing your contact syncing settings, adjusting privacy options, or blocking users. Understanding these aspects can help you navigate Instagram’s suggestions more effectively and maintain a tailored social experience.
