Investigating an online social network using spatial interaction models

URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2010.11.002

Keywords:

online social networks; spatial interaction modeling; generalized linear models; separation measures; StudiVZ

Abstract:

Using a spatial interaction modeling approach, we investigate the German col- legiate social network site StudiVZ. We focus on identifying factors that foster strong inter-institutional linkages, testing whether the acquaintanceship rate between institutions of higher education is related to various geographic and institutional attributes. We find that acquaintanceship is most significantly related to geographic separation: measuring distance with automobile travel time, acquaintanceship drops by 91% for each additional 100 minutes. Institu- tion type and the former East-West German divide are also related to this rate with statistical significance.

Notes:

* Non-Clique Members

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