Archive for February 7th, 2014

Connected. The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives. Nicholas Christakis & James Fowler.

An example of a social network diagram.

An example of a social network diagram. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Connected. The surprising power of our social networks and how they shape our lives. Christakis & Fowler.2009. ISBN 9780316036146. I picked this up as I was interested in any theories of social networks and how they relate to the surge on social networking sites. This is definitely not another book about Facebook and content marketing. The two Harvard professors and practice leaders have written a very insightful and useful book.  They build with a basis on history and genetics and how groups / networks have formed, the “normal ” sizes , including the role of religion in all societies ( very interesting given if you are not religious at all).  They explore the impact on connectedness and paring on life, health , longevity and so on. ( Hint stay married as long as possible – and when you are again single get into lots of healthy groups) .   Then when you add in the new social networks you see how they still follow the existing limits to close friends, most friends , and so on.  They explain how to every communication innovation such as telegraph, telephone, internet and now Social networks expand the limits to connectivity , allowing for more interaction , but not necessarily adding more people to the groups – you become able to interact more often.  You may find interesting that the rule of three degrees of separation remains true, that the weak ties we have are often the most useful for job seeking, and the growing intersection of political science, genetics, sociology and economics. Cap this off with two authors who can write clearly and simply and you will enjoy this book. It is good for the cross country flight and back again.

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Category: Communication, Lifeskills, Marketing

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