The same person is always at the top of your Messenger suggested list because Facebook’s predictive algorithm has identified them as someone you have a strong connection with, based on a wide range of signals like profile views, mutual friends, and past interactions. This list is not random; it’s a personalized prediction of who you are most likely to contact next.
If you’re confused about why a certain person—perhaps someone you don’t even talk to often—is always appearing first, this article will break down the exact factors the algorithm uses and explain what it really means.
Suggested List vs. Main Chat List: What’s the Difference?
First, it’s important to distinguish between your main chat list and your suggested list.
- Main Chat List: This is your inbox. The people at the top are almost always the ones you’ve had the most recent and frequent direct conversations
- Suggested List: This list (often appearing when you tap the search bar or start a new message) is different. It’s a predictive algorithm that suggests people you might want to contact, even if you haven’t messaged them in a while.
Key Factors That Push Someone to the Top of Your Suggestions
The Messenger suggested list algorithm looks at a wide variety of signals to determine who is most relevant to you. It’s not just about who you message.
Engagement on Facebook (A Major Factor)
Your activity on the main Facebook platform is one of the strongest signals. The algorithm will prioritize people whose profiles and content you engage with frequently. This includes:
- Frequently viewing their profile.
- Liking or commenting on their posts and photos.
- Looking at their stories.
Strong Social Connections
The algorithm also analyzes the structure of your social network. People with a strong connection to you will be suggested more often. This includes people who:
- Have a high number of mutual friends with you.
- Are in the same Facebook groups as you.
- Were tagged in the same photos or posts as you recently.
- Attended the same events as you.
Synced Phone Contacts
If you have given Messenger permission to access your phone’s contacts, it uses this data. If the person at the top of your suggestions is also saved in your phone’s contact list, it reinforces to the algorithm that they are an important connection.
Past Communication History
Even if you haven’t messaged someone in months, a strong history of past conversations can cause the algorithm to keep them ranked as a relevant contact, especially if other factors (like mutual friends) are also strong.
Does This Mean They Are Looking at My Profile?
This is the most common concern, and the answer is a clear no. A person’s position on your suggested list is a reflection of your activity and your connection to them, not the other way around. It does not mean they are frequently viewing your profile or “stalking” you. The list is personalized for you and is completely private.
How Can You Influence or Remove Someone from the Suggested List?
Yes, you have direct control over this list. If you no longer want to see a specific person in your suggestions, you can easily remove them.
- Hide the Contact: This is the most direct method. On the suggested list, tap and hold on the contact’s profile picture. A menu will appear with an option to “Hide Contact.” Tapping this will remove them from the list.
- Limit Your Interactions: The algorithm is dynamic. If you stop viewing someone’s profile or engaging with their content on Facebook, their ranking in your suggestions will eventually decrease over time.
- Block the Person: This is a more extreme measure, but blocking someone on Facebook or Messenger will permanently remove them from all suggestions and prevent any communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the other person see that they are at the top of my suggested list?
No. Your suggested list is completely private and unique to you, based on your data and activity. They have their own separate list based on their activity.
If I hide a suggested contact, will they know?
No, hiding a contact is a private action that only affects what you see. The other person will not be notified in any way.
Why is an ex or someone I don’t talk to anymore on my suggested list?
This is usually due to a strong history of past interactions, many mutual friends, or being tagged in old photos together. The algorithm may still see them as a relevant connection based on this old data. The best solution is to use the “Hide Contact” feature.
Does the “Active Now” status affect the suggested list?
It can have a minor influence, as Messenger might slightly prioritize people who are currently online. However, the underlying connection score based on your history and engagement is a much more powerful factor in the ranking.
Conclusion
In summary, the person who consistently appears at the top of your Messenger suggested list is placed there by a complex algorithm that analyzes your total connection to them, including Facebook profile views, mutual friends, and past chats. It is a reflection of your own activity and is not an indicator that they are viewing your profile. Most importantly, you have full control and can easily hide any contact you no longer wish to see suggested.
