LinkedIn has recently rolled out a new feature that automatically suggests new connections for users to add. This new auto-connect feature has caused some confusion and concern among LinkedIn users who are wondering why the platform is adding connections without their permission.
What is LinkedIn’s auto-connect feature?
LinkedIn’s auto-connect feature uses an algorithm to suggest new connections for users based on their profile data, including shared connections, education, work experience, interests, and more. The suggested connections appear in a new “People you may know” section on the LinkedIn homepage. Users can then choose to connect with the suggested profiles by clicking “Connect” or can ignore the suggestions.
According to LinkedIn, the goal of the auto-connect feature is to make it easier for users to expand their networks by connecting them with relevant professionals they might know but aren’t already connected to on LinkedIn.
Why did LinkedIn add this feature?
LinkedIn has said that the main reason for adding the auto-connect feature is to increase user engagement on the platform. Here are some specific reasons why LinkedIn believes auto-connect will benefit users:
- Makes it easier to expand your network – By suggesting relevant connections, LinkedIn is aiming to help users grow their networks more easily with less effort on the user’s end.
- Helps users discover new connections – The algorithm may be able to suggest connections users know but had forgotten about or hadn’t thought to search for.
- Keeps LinkedIn network data current – By prompting users to connect with new colleagues when they switch jobs, the feature keeps each user’s network up-to-date.
- Creates more complete user profiles – Fuller profiles allow LinkedIn to suggest better connections.
- Encourages increased engagement – LinkedIn hopes auto-connect will get users to return to the platform more frequently and participate more actively in the LinkedIn community.
The main motivator for LinkedIn seems to be increasing engagement, as the platform relies on active users and interactions to maintain its value for recruiting and professional networking.
How does LinkedIn choose suggested connections?
LinkedIn uses the following types of data and parameters when selecting which connections to suggest to each user:
- Shared connections – People you are both connected to already are more likely to show up as suggestions.
- Industry and employment – Current or previous colleagues are suggestions, especially if you’ve worked at the same companies.
- Education – Fellow alumni are likely suggestions.
- Interests – People with similar interests and groups may be suggested.
- Location – Those in your geographic area are more likely to know each other professionally.
- Profile data matches – The algorithm looks for similarities between profiles like skills, job titles, volunteering, etc.
LinkedIn prioritizes showing users the suggested connections deemed most relevant and likely to be known contacts. Users with more complete profiles tend to get better suggestions.
Are suggested connections notified when you add them?
No, the suggested connections are not notified when you choose to connect with them through the auto-connect feature. This means you can quietly add them to your network without them being aware they were suggested to you.
They will only be notified if they have email notifications enabled for new connections. In this case, they would simply be notified of the new connection without knowing it came from a suggestion.
Can you control LinkedIn’s auto-connect settings?
Yes, users do have some control over the auto-connect feature in their account settings:
- Turn off suggestions – You can disable seeing suggestion completely in your Preferences.
- Remove suggestions – Individual suggestions can be removed so they do not show up again.
- Manage visibility – Suggestions can be made private so only you see them.
- Connect automatically – There is an option to have LinkedIn automatically accept suggestions without your review.
While the settings allow you to fine-tune the feature to your liking, you cannot completely prevent LinkedIn from generating suggested connections. The suggestions will continue to be created in the background even if you hide them.
Are auto-connect suggestions accurate?
The accuracy of suggestions can vary substantially based on the completeness of each user’s profile data. For users with detailed employment histories, education, connections, and other info, the suggestions tend to be good. However, some users report many irrelevant suggestions.
According to LinkedIn, the algorithm becomes more accurate at suggesting relevant connections the more you use the feature. So the more suggestions you approve or remove, the better it gets at surfacing contacts you are likely to know and want to connect with.
Does approving suggestions benefit your profile?
In most cases, approving auto-connect suggestions will boost your own profile in small ways. Here are some of the benefits:
- Grows your network – A larger 1st and 2nd degree network strengthens your profile.
- Diverse connections – Suggestions add connections with varied backgrounds.
- Stay updated – News from new connections keeps your feed informative.
- New opportunities – Some new connections could lead to exciting jobs or ventures.
However, blindly accepting all suggestions just to inflate your connection count won’t necessarily help. Focus on selectively approving contacts you truly want to be connected to.
Are auto-connect suggestions sometimes wrong or irrelevant?
Yes, many users report getting suggestions that are completely irrelevant and clearly do not know each other. This can happen for several reasons:
Reasons for inaccurate suggestions include:
| Incomplete user data | Without enough info, the algorithm makes bad guesses about connections. |
| Random chance | Pure chance can line up profile traits without an actual relationship. |
| Too much weight on single data points | Putting too much emphasis on one shared trait (like an employer) leads to false connections. |
| Faulty algorithm | The algorithm itself is imperfect and leads to a percentage of bad suggestions. |
While LinkedIn is likely working to improve the technology, users will probably continue to see some percentage of irrelevant connections suggested over time.
Should you accept all auto-connect suggestions?
It is not recommended to blindly accept every connection suggestion you receive. While some will be useful professional contacts, others will be completely random and irrelevant. Indiscriminately connecting can clutter your network.
Instead, review each suggestion individually and only approve connections that make sense and add value for your goals on LinkedIn. It is fine to ignore or remove irrelevant suggestions.
Could suggestions be spam or scams?
It is highly unlikely the suggestions themselves are spam or scams, since they come directly from LinkedIn’s algorithm. However, some connections if added could subsequently send you spam or scam messages.
As always, use caution in connecting with people you do not know. Review profiles carefully for signs of inauthentic activity. And avoid connecting with any suggestions that appear irregular or suspicious.
Should you report bad suggestions to LinkedIn?
You can report incorrect or irrelevant suggestions directly to LinkedIn by using the “Report/Remove this suggestion” link shown on each suggested connection.
Reporting bad suggestions not only removes them from your account, but also provides important feedback to LinkedIn so the algorithm and technology can be refined and improved over time.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s auto-connect feature aims to help users easily expand their professional networks by suggesting new connections. However, the algorithm driving the suggestions can sometimes result in contacts you do not actually know.
Review each recommendation carefully, and only connect with those that would value your network. Avoid accepting every suggestion indiscriminately. With selective use, auto-connect can successfully help you stay connected to more relevant professionals over time.
