The Social-Network Illusion That Tricks Your Mind
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summary
This article discusses the concept of social network illusion, which refers to the bias people have in perceiving their social networks as more densely interconnected than they actually are. The author explains that this illusion originates from the way social interactions are observed and experienced in everyday life, particularly through the lens of online social media. The article explores the psychological factors that contribute to this illusion, such as selective attention and the tendency to be more aware of connections within one's network rather than connections between different networks. It also highlights the potential consequences of this illusion, including distorted perceptions of social support and an unrealistic sense of social cohesion. The author concludes by suggesting that recognizing and understanding this illusion can help individuals make more informed decisions and navigate social networks more effectively.