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Related Experiment Video

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Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
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Social network size in humans.

R A Hill1, R I M Dunbar2

  • 1Evolutionary Anthropology Research Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Durham, 43 Old Elvet, DH1 3HN, Durham, U.K.. r.a.hill@durham.ac.uk.

Human Nature (Hawthorne, N.Y.)
|July 21, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Human social network size averages 125 individuals, aligning with cognitive limits. Network structure is influenced by age and relationships, with contact frequency depending on proximity and emotional closeness.

Keywords:
Frequency of contactGroup sizeHumansNeocortex sizeSocial networks

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Area of Science:

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Understanding human social network size is crucial for social and cognitive science.
  • Previous research suggests a theoretical limit to human group size, often linked to cognitive capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To empirically examine contemporary social network size in Western societies.
  • To investigate factors influencing social network structure and contact frequency.
  • To assess the relationship between observed network size and theoretical cognitive limits.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of social network size using Christmas card exchange data.
  • Statistical examination of variables affecting network structure (age, household, relationship type).
  • Identification of factors determining contact frequency (passive and active variables).

Main Results:

  • Average maximum social network size was 153.5 individuals; mean contacted network size was 124.9.
  • Observed network sizes closely approximate the predicted Dunbar's number of 150.
  • Network structure varied with age and household type, but kin proportion remained stable (~21%).
  • Contact frequency was influenced by passive factors (distance, work, location) and active factors (closeness, relatedness).

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive constraints may limit the size of human social networks.
  • Empirical data supports theoretical predictions of human social group size.
  • Network dynamics are shaped by a combination of logistical and relational factors.