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The role of reciprocation in social network formation, with an application to blogging

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  • Alexia Gaudeul

    (Graduate School "Human Behavior in Social and Economic Change" (GSBC), Friedrich Schiller University, Jena)

  • Caterina Giannetti

    (Royal Holloway, University of London)

Abstract

This paper deals with the role of reciprocation in the formation of individuals' social networks, that is to what extent initiating a relation brings about its reciprocation. Following the activity of a panel of bloggers over more than a year, we seek to establish whether bloggers are mainly involved in social networking or are part of the media industry. We adapt a standard capital investment model to study the effect of reciprocation on the building of social capital. Results of our analysis confirm that activity and reciprocation both play a role in the dynamics of social media.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexia Gaudeul & Caterina Giannetti, 2011. "The role of reciprocation in social network formation, with an application to blogging," Jena Economics Research Papers 2011-015, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2011-015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Benedetto Lepori & Isidro F. Aguillo & Marco Seeber, 2014. "Size of web domains and interlinking behavior of higher education institutions in Europe," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 100(2), pages 497-518, August.
    2. Tingting Song & Qian Tang & Jinghua Huang, 2019. "Triadic Closure, Homophily, and Reciprocation: An Empirical Investigation of Social Ties Between Content Providers," Information Systems Research, INFORMS, vol. 30(3), pages 912-926, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bloggers; Friendship; LiveJournal; Media; Panel Data; Reciprocation; Reci procity; Social Capital; Social Networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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