Instant Messaging as a social research tool: Study revives six degrees theory
Posted by Mickaël Rémond on August 25, 2008According to a recent study by Microsoft into instant messaging habits it takes only six steps to link everyone together.
The research carried out by Microsoft researchers Eric Horvitz and Jure Leskovec studied 30 billion instant messages sent using Microsoft Messenger during June 2006 and found that any two people were linked by seven or fewer acquaintances.
As reported by BBC News, Horvitz says "What we are seeing suggests that there may be a social connectivity constant for humanity."
This research is further evidence of the social and collaborative benefits instant messaging can offer both in and outside of the enterprise through linking more and more people together.
You can get more details on the article from BBC News: Study revives six degrees theory.
Comments
This study also confirms Microsoft ‘is watching you’...
Get away from proprietary IMPs, and use open standards.
Posted by Nÿco on 25 Aug 2008 at 11:06
Funny, I was thinking the exact same thing!
Posted by wertigon on 25 Aug 2008 at 23:03
All this confirms is that spammers really do link the world together :\
The fact that MS collected that info is kinda disturbing as well. Not unexpected.
Posted by jon on 29 Aug 2008 at 05:14
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