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Targeting the social networks of group violence

A new study by Yale University researchers found that the initiation of violent raids among the Nyangatom nomadic tribal group depends on the presence of leaders who have participated in many raids and hold central positions in their social network. Non-leaders, however, had a bigger impact on raid participation due to their friendships.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016

Nature, not nurture, defines cricket social networks

Researchers found that cricket populations have innate social rules, resulting in stable networks that form year after year. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, suggests that these networks are conserved over evolutionary time, influenced more by population size than environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 8, 2016

Trolls often waive their anonymity online

A study by University of Zurich researchers found that individuals posting hate speech who used their full name were more common than anonymous trolls. Online anonymity is not a deterrent for hate speech, as it can actually increase credibility and popularity among trolls.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2016

Friends 'better than morphine'

Research at University of Oxford found that individuals with more friends have a higher pain tolerance due to increased endorphin release, which promotes social bonding and pleasure. Additionally, the study discovered correlations between fitter people, those with higher stress levels, and smaller social networks.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 2016

Daters move toward (or away from) marriage in four different ways -- where do you fit?

A University of Illinois researcher identified four distinct approaches that dating couples use to develop deeper commitment. Dramatic daters experience wild swings in commitment levels due to negative events, while partner-focused couples prioritize mutual involvement and conscientiousness. Conflict-ridden couples face tension between...

Are you Facebook dependent?

A new study by University of Akron researchers found that people who use Facebook to meet new friends are most dependent on the platform. The study also discovered personality traits common among specific types of Facebook users, such as extroverts and those with high self-esteem.

Despite poaching, elephants' social networks hold steady

Researchers found that elephants' social networks remained resilient due to the ability of daughters to fill their mothers' roles, driven by vertical transmission of social roles. This adaptability provides optimism for elephant recovery from human disturbance once pressure is alleviated.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Study links Facebook connections, alcohol use in college-aged females

A study by the University of Georgia found a correlation between certain patterns of connections on Facebook and drug and alcohol use among female students. Students with a history of childhood physical abuse were more likely to be part of densely interconnected groups, associated with higher risk for alcohol use. In contrast, those wi...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 7, 2015

For better sales, connect with coworkers

A Michigan State University study reveals that developing strong internal relationships leads to a significant increase in sales volume. Successful salespeople leverage political skill to build connections with well-connected co-workers and extraversion helps facilitate cross-fertilization of ideas.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 12, 2015

Six Degrees of Francis Bacon launches

The site recreates the British early modern social network to trace personal relationships among figures like Bacon, Shakespeare, and Newton. It identifies over 13,000 individuals and 200,000 relationships, providing new ways for scholars to consider communities, factions, influences, and sources.

Cheaters sometimes prosper -- on Facebook

Concordia researchers investigate how social media gamers cheat in games like FarmVille, with some defining cheating as breaking social norms. The study found that most respondents admitted to cheating, including purchasing currency or creating multiple accounts.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateSep 29, 2015

Fireflies predict network loyalty

Researchers use firefly swarm approach to predict user loyalty in social networks, analyzing connections and community structure. The algorithm offers a probability of staying in a given network, providing valuable insights for service providers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateAug 12, 2015

In social networks, group boundaries promote the spread of ideas, Penn study finds

A new Penn study shows that preserving social network boundaries can facilitate the spread of complex ideas, contradicting previous theories. By analyzing computational models and correlations between individual characteristics, researchers found that stronger group ties allow for more effective knowledge sharing across organizations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJun 22, 2015

For those over 50, finding a job can get old

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Minnesota found that older adults receive fewer job offers, search for weeks longer, and are less likely to find re-employment after losing a job. The researchers identified factors such as age-related differences in knowledge, skills, and abilities, social networks, marketpl...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 16, 2015

'Friending' your way thin

A Northwestern University study found that online dieters who logged in regularly, recorded their weigh-ins, and 'friended' other members lost an average of 8% of their body weight over six months. In contrast, those with fewer interactions lost only about 5% of their body weight.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 28, 2015

Social networking during a campus emergency

Researchers argue that social networking sites can be used to provide timely updates and guidance during emergency situations on campus. The study suggests that these platforms could complement existing emergency notification systems, providing a cost-effective way to reach students and staff.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Information Systems·DateDec 5, 2014

Birds conform to local 'traditions'

Researchers found that great tits learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network, adopting the dominant behavior and creating a stable tradition. Even when birds discover multiple methods, they tend to conform to the majority behavior, passing it down to the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateDec 3, 2014

Healthy knowledge management and social networking

Research by Missouri University of Science and Technology found that social network analysis can improve knowledge sharing in large government healthcare organizations. By identifying key people and analyzing relationships, a core network was formed to rapidly disseminate information on projects.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Collaborative Enterprise·DateOct 3, 2014