Name: The hidden influence of social networks
Uploaded: 2010-05-10T09:24:00Z
Duration: 17 min 57 s
Description: We're all embedded in vast social networks of friends, family, co-workers and more. Nicholas Christakis tracks how a wide variety of traits -- from happiness to obesity -- can spread from person to person, showing how your location in the network might impact your life in ways you don't even know.

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Cooperative Behavior Cascades in Human Social Networks

We're all embedded in vast social networks of friends, family, co-workers and more. Nicholas Christakis tracks how a wide variety of traits -- from happiness to obesity -- can spread from person to person, showing how your location in the network might impact your life in ways you don't even know.

The hidden influence of social networks

Human connections ripple far beyond close friends or family, influencing everything from happiness to obesity. Studies show that a person’s risk of becoming obese jumps 45 percent if a friend becomes obese, and even friends of friends can affect behaviors and emotions. These sprawling networks act like living organisms, with patterns and benefits that emerge from their complex structure. The architecture of our relationships holds surprising power over health, feelings, and even personal choices.