The Six Degrees of Separation Concept - Still Applicable Today?
In reading the posts on this forum, it brought a question to my mind:
If no two people "were more than 5 intermediaries apart" in the past (when concept was formulated; with the explosive growth of social networks, individuals belonging to multiple networks, and new technology / technological applications, has this number changed?
Have any experts in social media ever tried to use the vast computer resources available in order to, at least, develop a "hypothetical" number based on probablility, mathematics and most likely even artifical intelligence?
In my mind, it would seem that if we had two people, each at a computer; then the "social networks" of one should be "reaching into" the "social networks" of the second. So if the networks are each "reaching" into the other's "network territory", it would seem that there might just be a new "number" of degrees /or perhaps "mouse-clicks" of separation.
Has anyone ever come across any "research, computed/mathematical algorithms, etc. as to what the number theoretically is?
Just curious. Not that I am going to lose any sleep over it, if it's never be done!
Ernest,
Ok, you have opened a can of worms,:) You have a great point, I there could be a research project here hmmm. . . . .
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Great points for pondering!!!
I would venture to say that the 'six degrees' number today would be much less especially due to the explosion of social networking.
The most relevant social networking media could be associated with LinkedIn. This social media does in fact use algorithms to calculate 'connections' to other professionals. Users can visualize the exact number on their profile. Through time and connections the numbers grow ex-potentially!!!
Another relevant social media that is outperforming Facebook and LinkedIn is Twitter. How many followers does one person have...the number continues to grow!
Research on the various social media avenues would be very interesting!
Donna
Donna,
You are right, and we have to educate all of our students to use this type of media judiciously. These are the professional tools of the present!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When I think of most people are just 6 degrees from others. With the social media accepted by more people I think that number has decreased. The world keeps getting smaller everyday.
Geri,
You are right. In the social media world, is there really a stranger? I think so as well as strange people. We still must teach critical thinking skills in this environment as that will protect students professionally and personally.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
