All articles tagged with #social networks
Seneca’s line about associating with those who can improve you is shown as a two-way rule: strive to be better company for others by teaching what you know, so both learner and teacher grow together; modern studies on social influence offer cautious support but also highlight subtle limits, and the full message is mutual growth rather than a one-sided pursuit.
A 2020 Hungarian study found that retirees who left work voluntarily reported higher life satisfaction than those who were forced out, and the gap persisted for eight to eleven years. Related research suggests that building a new role identity and maintaining multiple active social groups aid long-term adjustment, whereas over-reliance on the old workplace identity can hinder wellbeing. The voluntariness effect may vary by country and context, so it’s not a universal rule, but the findings highlight the lasting impact of control over retirement and social structure on happiness.
A Quaternary Science Reviews study uses ecological modeling and archaeological data from 60,000–35,000 years ago to show Neanderthals disappeared through fragmented populations and weaker connectivity, while Homo sapiens benefited from more interconnected networks that enabled mobility and resource sharing during environmental shifts. Extinction varied by region, framed as a mosaic outcome driven by social structure and climate variability rather than a single catastrophe.
A new study argues that six degrees of separation is a universal pattern in social networks, arising from individuals balancing influence with the effort of maintaining relationships. A mathematical model shows average path lengths settle near six, matching Milgram’s classic results and observations from Facebook, email, and other networks; the pattern explains rapid information spread and potential disease transmission, driven by self-organizing link formation by individuals.
A six-year study of 184 bull sharks at Fiji’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve shows they have active, complex social lives. Researchers documented stable associations, lead-follow interactions, and parallel swimming, with adults forming the core of the network. Males tended to have more social connections than females, and social ties were strongest among similarly sized individuals. While socializing is common among adults, younger sharks are more represented in social activity likely to avoid predation, and older sharks appear less social overall. The researchers emphasize many questions remain about whether these sharks hunt or mate cooperatively, and more studies are needed to fully understand their social dynamics.
Research shows that between 2008 and 2010, as people's close social circles expanded from two to four or five friends, societies worldwide became more polarized, likely fueled by social media, leading to societal fragmentation and decreased tolerance, which threatens democratic processes.
The article explains how online social networks facilitate the spread of bizarre behaviors and conspiracy theories, such as the false belief linking 5G to COVID-19, due to complex interactions of cognitive biases, group dynamics like groupthink and polarization, and the rapid dissemination of misinformation, which is difficult to combat and can lead to social unrest.
A study from Brown University reveals that humans instinctively use mental maps based on social distance and popularity to strategically spread gossip, minimizing risks and maximizing reach, with these processes resembling algorithms used in social media virality.
A study of over 700,000 Finnish ninth-graders found that mental disorders can spread within school social networks, with the risk of diagnosis increasing if classmates have similar conditions. This effect is most pronounced for mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, highlighting the need for preventive measures and early intervention in schools.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that bonobos and chimpanzees have the ability to remember old friends, family members, and groupmates even after decades of separation. The research suggests that long-term memory is a trait shared by humans, chimps, and bonobos, indicating deep evolutionary roots in complex social networks. Using eye-tracking technology, the study found that the apes showed a greater interest in images of familiar individuals compared to strangers. The results provide insight into the cognitive abilities and social relationships of our closest living relatives.
Amo, a Paris-based team of former Zenly members, has launched a new social app called ID that aims to bring back the social aspect of social networks. ID provides users with an empty canvas and creative tools to express themselves, allowing them to create personalized profiles and interact with their friends' profiles. The app focuses on fostering creativity and community engagement, offering a unique and visually appealing experience. Amo, backed by an $18 million funding round, aims to prioritize scale and create an indestructible company by addressing the loneliness epidemic and providing a more meaningful social experience.
Social networking apps like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and new platforms are incorporating artificial intelligence (A.I.) into their image capabilities to bring back the fun and interactivity of creating and sharing images. By using A.I. imagery, these apps aim to rejuvenate the social aspect of their platforms and encourage meaningful connections among users. Features such as A.I. selfies, image transformation filters, and A.I.-generated stickers are being introduced to make social media more engaging and whimsical. The integration of A.I. into image-sharing apps is seen as the future of social media, allowing users to interact with each other and create personalized content.
A study on strategy evolution in dynamic networks explores the impact of network structure on cooperation. The research examines various factors such as burstiness, tie strengths, and temporal patterns in spreading processes. It highlights the importance of understanding the hidden structure of dynamic ecological networks and the co-evolution of behavior and social network structure. The study also emphasizes the role of partner selection, switching costs, and the ability to alter ties in promoting cooperation. Overall, the findings contribute to our understanding of how strategies evolve and cooperation prevails in complex and changing network environments.
A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin suggests that extraversion and agreeableness are key personality traits that predict larger social networks in older adults. The research, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, found that individuals who are more outgoing and kind tend to have more friends, family members, and close relationships. Verbal communication skills were not significantly related to social relationships. The study highlights the importance of considering individual differences in social network research and understanding the factors that predict network size in later life.
Meta's new social media platform, Threads, has gained significant traction as a competitor to X (formerly known as Twitter), but it remains uncertain which platform will emerge as the dominant force in the social media landscape.