The Power of Social Networking
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Social networking is usually seen as a way for family and friends to stay in touch with one another. However, scientists are starting to realize how powerful social networking really is. These researchers noticed something quite remarkable about social groups dedicated to quit smoking. They realized that the majority of the people in the group would quit smoking at almost identical times. But the question you have to ask is “why?”.
Would you believe me if I said that people you do not even know influence you more than the people with whom you are best friends? Most of you would think that I am pulling your strings. However, this is what the data show.
“It could be your co-worker’s spouse’s friend or your brother’s spouse’s co-worker or a friend of a friend of a friend. The point is, your behavior depends on people you don’t even know,” Christakis said. “Your actions are partially affected by the actions of people who are beyond your social horizon” — but in the broader network.
Link: Washington Post
If you think about the concept, it makes total sense. You do not want to impress your friends, because they are already inside of your ‘circle of trust’ — they are your friends. To be able to stand up in a group of people who you do not know, your peers, and say “I quit smoking, yes, I did it”, is quite a remarkable accomplishment. It not only makes you look good in front of this group of total strangers — but it makes you feel good.
The evidence has shown that this concept works for people who are trying to quit smoking. This means that the idea can be applied to different cases in the future. Imagine the vast number of phobias and addictions that people can overcome, just by going to a group of totally random people. The possibilities are endless — obesity, drug addictions, tobacco and so many more.
“If we use these norms to fight the obesity epidemic, we may, in the process of stigmatizing the state of being overweight, further stigmatize obese people,” Fowler said. “Smoking is an example of how we can create problems at the same time we solve others.”
Link: Washington Post
What makes this discovery so much better is the fact that social networking is no longer an alcoholics anonymous meeting. Social networking has grown to so much more. For example, Facebook, a popular social networking site allows the creation of groups. These groups can bring people together from all over the world to help fight an addiction. These groups can give advice and support to others who are trying to quit. If used correctly, social networking can do so much more than help you stay in touch with your college friends.
Who would have ever guessed that the internet is something that can help people stop smoking or oddly enough, lose weight.
Justin Capasso
