network and social tipping point

Social capital

The value people get from their relationships—access to information, support, opportunities, and influence through networks.

Network structure benefits

Advantages you gain depending on how your network is arranged (who you know, how they’re connected, and how diverse those connections are).

Nonredundant ties

Connections to people who don’t know each other—they provide new, unique information.

Sparse network

A network where few people are connected—more gaps, more access to diverse information.

Dense network

A network where most people are interconnected—strong trust, but less new information.

Structural hole

A gap between groups in a network; someone who connects them gains power and access to unique information.

Bridging network

Connections that link different groups (weak ties); great for new ideas and opportunities.

Bonding network

Close-knit connections within a group (strong ties); builds trust and support.

Broken Window Theory

Small problems (like disorder or unethical behavior) signal that bigger problems are acceptable, leading to more serious issues.

Channel Capacity

The amount of information that can be transmitted effectively through a communication channel (face-to-face = high, email = lower).

Dunbar Number

The cognitive limit (~150 people) to how many stable social relationships a person can maintain.

Transactive Memory

A shared system where people know who knows what in a group, improving coordination and efficiency.