Overview
This lecture introduces the foundational concepts of social networks, focusing on the essential components and terminology needed to study their structure and significance.
What Is a Social Network?
- A social network consists of things that communicate (nodes) and the communications themselves (ties).
- Nodes or vertices are the entities (often people, but can be other things) in the network.
- Ties, edges, lines, or channels are the connections or communications between nodes.
Key Components of Social Networks
- Only two elements are essential: nodes (things that communicate) and ties (the communication).
- The study of social networks focuses on identifying patterns among many nodes and ties.
Importance of Studying Social Networks
- Understanding social networks helps analyze complex phenomena such as disease spread, politics, religion, national changes, and organizational formation.
- Patterns in nodes and ties reveal insights into how information, influence, or resources flow.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Node (Vertex) — An entity in a social network that can communicate.
- Tie (Edge, Line, Channel) — The communication or connection between two nodes.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review course materials on nodes and ties.
- Prepare to discuss examples of social networks in various real-world contexts.