Is Social Media Less Than Six Degree's of Separation?
Hello Everyone,
I found an interesting article which states that Social Media is less than six degrees of separation ("5 Studies Prove that Social Medial is less than 6 Degrees of Separation" http://barnraisersllc.com/2012/04/studies-social-media-6-degrees-of-separatio/).
Apparently Facebook and Twitter have roughly 4.5 degrees of separation - LinkedIn is 3. Perhaps the difference is the type of social networking. LinkedIn is more of a professional network, while the others are more "social" ... of course, Twitter can be used to promote businesses also.
Just curious what everyone thinks? Is the Internet so powerful, that we have indeed become closer than the six degrees of separation?
Michael,
You are right, it should serve as a warning. As quickly as it can connect people, a first impression is made and in many cases can't be unmade or remade. I know we make our freshmen to take a workshop on cleaning up social media to begin their development of a social persona.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lesley,
We are finding particularly in the business sector and in hospitality management, social media including LinkedIn is so powerful for networking, internships, and jobs. We now require our incoming freshmen to setup their professional social media accounts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lesley--
Very interesting article and points about social media and degrees of separation. While I think this "closeness" underscores the power of social media sites, I also think it should serve as a warning bell of sorts. I think that quickly connecting to others can be useful and powerful, but on the other hand, this quick exchange of information can be dangerous. As educators, if we chose to use social media sites, we must caution our students of pitfalls, and we must assist our students as they learn to use social media sites properly and constructively.
