James Fowler

Connected

1. IDEA 1

   Our networks shape our lives

   Christakis and Fowler argue that we are deeply influenced by the people we are connected to, and by their connections too. Our emotions, health and choices spread through social networks.

2. IDEA 2

   Influence reaches three steps

   The authors propose that influence spreads up to three degrees of separation, to friends of friends of friends. Beyond that, the effect fades. Each extra step weakens the link, as the people become more distant.

3. IDEA 3

   Happiness can spread

   The authors report that people with happy friends are more likely to become happy themselves. Emotions travel through networks. In their data, a happy friend, and even a friend's friend, was linked with higher happiness.

All 8 ideas from Connected →