A series of LinkedIn experiments found that generally weak social connections were better for finding jobs than strong networks. 

A series of LinkedIn experiments found that generally weak social connections were better for finding jobs than strong networks. From 2015 through 2019, the platform ran algorithmic tests on 20K users (unbeknownst to them) to find out the best type of connections for finding a job. During this time, Gen Z and Millennials were actively entering the workforce and according to a new collaborative study looking back on the tests, LinkedIn’s experiments could have altered the course of many users’ lives. LinkedIn adjusted its algorithm to “randomly vary the prevalence of strong and weak ties that the system recommended,” users were put on two seperate paths; one “caused LinkedIn users to form more connections to people with whom they had only weak social ties…[and the other] caused people to form fewer connections with weak ties.” They found that in a year’s time, those “weak tie” connections were actually more likely to lead to jobs for users than the “strong-tie” recommendations. YPulse’s Employment and Career Goals report data shows that more young job seekers are using social media to find open positions. (NYT)