Understanding Social Contagion
Social contagion is the spread of ideas, emotions, and behaviors through social networks. It is the phenomenon in which people acquire specific views or actions as a result of the impact of their social ties. This may happen among families, civilizations, or any group of interrelated people.
When siblings or parents affect one other’s actions, attitudes, and decisions, social contagion occurs. For example, if one member of the family begins eating healthier or exercising on a regular basis, it may motivate others to do the same. Similarly, if one family member becomes involved in illegal activities, it may increase the risk that other family members would follow suit.
Social contagion can have severe societal consequences. For example, social contagion may be used to explain the spread of a protest or social movement (Piedrahita et al.). When people see others protesting or campaigning for a cause, they are more inclined to join in or support it themselves. This has the potential to spark collective action and societal transformation.
The Dynamic Nature of Social Networks
A social network is a “living thing” because it demonstrates the development, adaptability, and self-regulation qualities of a living creature. Individuals join and link with others to establish social networks, which adapt as actions and attitudes change within the network and self-regulate through the creation of norms and shared values. Social networks, like live beings, can die or diminish when connections deteriorate or members leave the network.
The Genetic Basis of Human Social Connections
Scientists disagree on the assumption that human social networks are encoded in our DNA. Some suggest that hereditary factors impact our social behaviors and preferences, causing specific social networks to emerge. Others argue that external variables such as cultural norms and socialization processes influence social networks. Both genetic and environmental variables are expected to have a role in the formation of social networks. Still, the extent to which genes impact social relationships is unknown and requires additional investigation.
Work Cited
Piedrahita, Pablo, et al. “The Contagion Effects of Repeated Activation in Social Networks.” Social Networks, vol. 54, 2018, pp. 326–35. Web.