They are slightly different

认识 and 知道 are both very similiar in meaning, they translate to “to know”. But when to use which? net-enjoyer truly I am and thats is what I found.

认识

认识 (rèn shi) is most commonly used to imply familiarity with another person, place or object through a previous experience.

知道

知道 (zhī dao) suggests knowledge of a person, place or object, but has never been introduced to the person or been to the place physically.

In characters we trust

认识 clearyly shows “recognizing someone” and “knowledge”, while 知道 shows “being able to talk about sth” and “the way to”, combining these two characters suggests that

you ‘know’ the right path but have yet to travel it