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Inferring Tie Strength from Online Directed Behavior

Author

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  • Jason J Jones
  • Jaime E Settle
  • Robert M Bond
  • Christopher J Fariss
  • Cameron Marlow
  • James H Fowler

Abstract

Some social connections are stronger than others. People have not only friends, but also best friends. Social scientists have long recognized this characteristic of social connections and researchers frequently use the term tie strength to refer to this concept. We used online interaction data (specifically, Facebook interactions) to successfully identify real-world strong ties. Ground truth was established by asking users themselves to name their closest friends in real life. We found the frequency of online interaction was diagnostic of strong ties, and interaction frequency was much more useful diagnostically than were attributes of the user or the user’s friends. More private communications (messages) were not necessarily more informative than public communications (comments, wall posts, and other interactions).

Suggested Citation

  • Jason J Jones & Jaime E Settle & Robert M Bond & Christopher J Fariss & Cameron Marlow & James H Fowler, 2013. "Inferring Tie Strength from Online Directed Behavior," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(1), pages 1-6, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0052168
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052168
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Przemyslaw A Grabowicz & José J Ramasco & Esteban Moro & Josep M Pujol & Victor M Eguiluz, 2012. "Social Features of Online Networks: The Strength of Intermediary Ties in Online Social Media," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ivan Smirnov & Stefan Thurner, 2017. "Formation of homophily in academic performance: Students change their friends rather than performance," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, August.

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