Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Bixing Yan

Yan Wang

Keqing Liang

Da Xu

Andrew O Hatch

Haohua Wan

Techniques for a social networking system involve analyzing members' interactions to enhance follow recommendations. The techniques include calculating the number of follows generated by a first member and the number of follows received by a second and third member. The platform then computes a weighted follow utility score for two member pairs: the first comprising the first and second members, and the second comprising the first and third members. These scores are determined by equally weighing the follows generated and received, along with a probability of the first member following the second or third member. While the probability suggests a preference for the second member, the ranking system places the third member pair higher. Consequently, the first member is advised to follow the third member, based on this ranking. Finally, this recommendation is displayed to the first member on an electronic device, guiding their social interactions on the platform.

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Bixing Yan