OMG for real though!

Downtown Detroit
1/12 Edited to

... Read moreI've noticed that many people, myself included, constantly see social media suggesting "people you may know" who we actually do know—and sometimes really dislike. This can make scrolling through feeds frustrating rather than enjoyable. The algorithms behind social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram use data such as mutual friends, contacts, and interactions to suggest connections that might be relevant. However, they don't understand the nuances of personal relationships, so they end up recommending people who evoke negative feelings. From my experience, these unwanted suggestions happen frequently because the platform is trying to maximize engagement and connect users with their wider social circles, but without considering emotional context. It's especially common among users with complex social networks or those who have moved on from certain relationships. One practical way to reduce these unwanted suggestions is to use the platform's tools to hide or dismiss recommended profiles. Additionally, regularly reviewing privacy settings and disconnecting social media accounts from phone contacts can help. Sometimes, taking a break from social media or using third-party apps to manage friend lists can improve the overall experience. Ultimately, acknowledging that these suggestions are algorithm-driven and not personalized on an emotional level helps manage frustration. Sharing such experiences online creates awareness and encourages platforms to improve their algorithms to respect users' emotional boundaries better.