Facebook’s ‘People You May Know’ feature suggests new friends based on mutual connections, work and education info, and other factors. But some people find these recommendations creepy and worry Facebook is stalking them. So are Facebook’s friend suggestions actually stalking you?
What is Facebook’s “People You May Know” Feature?
When Facebook sees you have overlapping connections with someone, they may show up as a suggestion under “People You May Know.” Facebook looks at things like:
- Mutual friends
- Workplace and education networks
- Location data
- Groups and events you both engage with
- Messenger contacts
- Contacts uploaded to Facebook
If you have a lot of connections in common with someone, Facebook thinks you might know them and suggests connecting. The more data points Facebook has indicating you’re in the same networks, the more likely someone shows up as a recommendation.
Why Do People Think These Suggestions Are Creepy?
While Facebook claims suggested friends are based on visible profile info and connections, some recommendations can seem uncannily accurate:
- Suggesting someone you met briefly once
- Recommending a friend of a friend you’ve never met
- People you went to same school with but weren’t friends with
This can make it seem like Facebook is stalking you more closely than they claim. People worry Facebook is collecting data behind the scenes, like tracking locations or listening to conversations.
Is Facebook Secretly Stalking You?
Facebook claims they don’t use microphone or location data to generate friend recommendations. So how does Facebook seem to know so much?
Here are some ways Facebook gathers data to fuel suggestions:
Profile Information
Facebook gathers detailed data from user profiles like:
- Current city
- Hometown
- Schools
- Workplaces
Matching this info generates friend ideas even without a direct connection.
Networks of Networks
Even someone a couple degrees removed in your social network may show up. If you went to the same school or have friends of friends in common, Facebook sees a connection.
Public Information
Facebook scans public posts on the platform for things like:
- Tagging the same places
- Interests and hobbies mentioned
- Participation in same groups/events
This further maps the links between you and other users.
Outside Data
Uploading your contacts allows Facebook to connect you with other users associated with those contacts.
Past Interactions
If you’ve ever searched for someone or viewed their profile, Facebook remembers and may later suggest them as a friend.
Location History
While Facebook claims not to use real-time location data from your phone, they likely do keep history of places you’ve tagged yourself at. If another user goes to the same businesses, restaurants, etc. this can show up as a location-based connection.
Should You Be Concerned?
Facebook’s friend recommendations rely heavily on data collection, but likely not secretively listening to your conversations or actively tracking your location in real-time.
Some find the suggestions creepy, while others appreciate Facebook connecting them with old classmates and acquaintances they may have otherwise lost touch with.
If you’re uncomfortable with Facebook’s level of data gathering, you can take steps like:
- Removing profile details like schools and employers
- Turning off location history
- Deleting contacts/data previously uploaded to Facebook
- Blocking potential connections you don’t want suggested to you
Overall, while Facebook’s friend recommendations may seem oddly specific at times, the platform has plenty of data to fuel suggestions without resorting to secretive stalking tactics.
The Bottom Line
Facebook’s friend recommendations are based on extensive data gathering, not surreptitious tracking. While some suggestions may seem oddly accurate, Facebook is transparent that they use profile details, networks, contacts, and other info to fuel the feature. If you’re uncomfortable with it, you can limit the data Facebook accesses. But rest assured the platform is not stalking your every move just to suggest new friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Facebook listen to my conversations?
Facebook claims they do not use microphone recordings to target ads or friend recommendations. There is no solid evidence to suggest they are secretly recording conversations.
Can Facebook track my location?
Facebook says they do not use real-time location data from devices for ad or friend suggestions. However, they likely keep history of locations users have tagged themselves at.
Are Facebook’s friend recommendations invasion of privacy?
Facebook’s suggestions rely on data provided by users and connections within the social graph. However, some may feel analyzing so many details invades their privacy.
Can I stop Facebook’s friend recommendations?
You can limit data Facebook accesses through your privacy settings. Turning off location history, removing profile details, and disconnecting contacts can reduce accuracy of suggestions.
Why does Facebook recommend people I don’t know?
Facebook may recommend friends of friends, classmates you weren’t close with, or contacts of your connections if there’s enough contextual data linking you together.
In Conclusion
While some of Facebook’s “People You May Know” suggestions can seem oddly on-point, the platform is not secretly stalking your every move. The recommendations rely on detailed personal data and analysis of social connections on the platform. If you are uncomfortable with this level of data use, limiting information accessed can reduce accuracy of suggestions. However, Facebook is not tracking your real-time activities or listening to private conversations just to serve friend recommendations.