News Science & Society

Looking for a job? Lean more on weak ties than strong relationships

Data on 20 million LinkedIn users put a 50-year-old social science theory to the test

A phone on a desk showing the LinkedIn login screen, alongside a purse, notebook and other accessories

The professional networking site LinkedIn helps users connect through a feature called People You May Know. It was used to test a 50-year-old theory that weaker connections are better than stronger connections for getting ahead in life.

OhmZ/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus

By Sujata Gupta

- More than 2 years ago

The key to landing your dream job could be connecting with and then sending a single message to a casual acquaintance on social media.