Six Degrees of Separation

posted on: Thursday, December 01, 2011 by: becky

Jon Darling, President

Facebook recently conducted a study about "Six Degrees of Separation". Most of us are familiar with the popular Kevin Bacon version, in which people attempt to link random actors with Kevin Bacon through films in which the two starred in. The idea that only a handful of people separate all people on earth was started by John Guare's play from the early 90's called "Six Degrees of Separation".

Forget six degrees.  Facebook found the actual number is 4.74.

That means that on average only 4.74 people separate an individual from even the most remote Facebook user. That number was in fact around 6 before the rise of social networking. In 2008, they found the number of "hops" between users to 5.28. It has shrunk to 4.74 in only 3 years. Our human race is more connected than ever.

They also found Facebook users are highly likely to friend people like themselves. So if you take two people in the same country at roughly the same age, the number shrinks to 3.

Think of the power of that. Ever had anyone you've dreamed of meeting? If they live in this country and are about your age, they are only 3 "hops" away. Ever wondered if there was someone out there who could help you solve a problem? No more than 5 "hops" away.

We can connect and help each other in so many ways. People can meet others with common interests, be it a band, a hobby or a profession. People with common medical conditions can develop relationships over a distance to exchange information and set up a support structure. The possibilities are endless.

Becky Murphy uses social networking tools to connect Romo to people in the community and those with common interests. Romo's goal is to truly help people and organizations find better ways to decorate products/facilities, whether it's with a decal, an in mold graphic, a SlapStick or other forms of durable graphics. The connected world helps us find people who we can assist.

We all use this on a personal level as well. How can we help others? As the holidays approach, are there friends from your past you can re-connect with, simply to wish them an enjoyable holiday season?  Is there someone in your world struggling in this still-challenging economy who might appreciate a note or a token of your friendship? Is there a family member you can reach out to?

One of the things I've noticed in developing a network is just how powerful expressing gratitude and helping others can be. I'm not talking about doing it superficially. I'm talking about genuine gestures- sending a text, buying someone a coffee, having an old friend over for dinner.

Here's a challenge. See if you can do 10 of those before 2012 rolls around. The gift is in the giving.  As a bonus, I'm willing to bet you get back far more than you give. Have a great holiday season everyone!