Tag

Social Networks

All articles tagged with #social networks

science1 month ago•6 min saved

Networks Over Time: Why Neanderthals Declined While Humans Spread Across Ice Age Europe

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.

via Indian Defence Review|

#climate-variability #homo-sapiens #ice-age-europe

science1 month ago•7 min saved

Six Degrees as a Universal Pattern in Social Networks

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.

via SciTechDaily|

#barzel #network-theory #science

science2 months ago•5 min saved

Fiji bull sharks form surprising social networks

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.

via The Washington Post|

#animal-behavior #bull-sharks #fiji

science6 months ago•5 min saved

Scientists Uncover the Paradox Behind Society's Divisions

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.

via SciTechDaily|

#democracy #science #social-media

science8 months ago•6 min saved

Online Social Networks and the Rise of Dysfunctional Group Behaviors

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.

via Live Science|

#conspiracy-theories #covid-19 #group-behavior

science10 months ago•5 min saved

The Surprising Intelligence Behind Gossip

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.

via Neuroscience News|

#cognitive-mapping #gossip #information-spread

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Study Reveals Mental Health Disorders Spread Among Teen Social Networks"

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.

via Neuroscience News|

#adolescents #finland #health

animal-behavior2 years ago•3 min saved

Primate Memory: Apes Recall Long-Lost Connections Decades Later

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.

via The Washington Post|

#animal-behavior #apes #evolution

technology2 years ago•8 min saved

"Zenly Founder's Amo App Aims to Revive Social Interactions in Social Media"

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.

via TechCrunch|

#amo #creative-tools #id

technology2 years ago•5 min saved

Reviving Social Interaction on Social Networks with A.I. Visuals

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.

via The New York Times|

#ai-imagery #artificial-intelligence #image-sharing

science-and-technology2 years ago•7 min saved

Adapting Strategies for Dynamic Network Games

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.

via Nature.com|

#cooperation #dynamic-networks #evolutionary-dynamics

social-science2 years ago•3 min saved

The Key Personality Traits for Expanding Social Networks in Older Adults

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.

via PsyPost|

#agreeableness #extraversion #interpersonal-relationships

technology2 years ago•0 min saved

"The Power of Network Effects in the X vs. Threads Battle"

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.

via NPR|

#dominance #meta #social-networks

social-media2 years ago•1 min saved

"Twitter Blue Introduces Video Download Feature for Subscribers"

Twitter Blue subscribers can now download videos posted on X, unless the poster opts out or the account is under the age of 18. However, if an account is set to private, only allowed subscribers can see and download the videos. This move aligns X with other shortform social networks like TikTok and Instagram, but it may also pose legal challenges regarding copyrighted materials. X CEO Linda Yaccarino will discuss the platform's transformation and advertiser engagement at the upcoming Code Conference.

via The Verge|

#copyrighted-materials #social-media #social-networks

science2 years ago•6 min saved

The Science Behind Six Degrees of Separation

A recent study explains the social phenomenon of six degrees of separation using mathematics. The balance between the cost and benefit of maintaining social connections shapes the global human social network, resulting in an average of six steps between any two people. This explains why ideas, trends, and even diseases can spread globally within a few transmission steps. The study shows that our connected world enables rapid spread of information and diseases, but also creates a platform for global collaboration.

via Neuroscience News|

#cost-benefit-analysis #global-collaboration #mathematics