preprints_ui: ys8zw_v2
Data license: ODbL (database) & original licenses (content) · Data source: Open Science Framework
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| ys8zw_v2 | Tendencies toward triadic closure: Field-experimental evidence | Empirical social networks are characterized by a high degree of triadic closure (i.e., transitivity, clustering), whereby network neighbors of the same individual are also likely to be directly connected. It is unknown to what degree this results from dispositions to form such ties (i.e., to close open triangles) per se or from other processes, such as homophily and more opportunities for exposure. These are difficult to disentangle in many settings, but in social media not only can they be decomposed, but platforms frequently make decisions that depend on these distinct processes. Here, using a field experiment on social media, we randomize the existing network structure that a user faces when followed by a target account that we control, and we examine whether they reciprocate this tie formation. Being randomly assigned to have an existing tie to an account that follows the target user increases tie formation by 35%. Through the use of multiple control conditions in which the relevant tie is absent (never existent or removed), we attribute this effect specifically to a minimal cue that indicates the presence of a potential mutual follower. Theory suggests that triadic closure should be especially likely in open triads of strong ties, and we find larger effects when the subject has interacted more with the existing follower. These results indicate a substantial role for tendencies toward triadic closure, but one that is substantially smaller than what might be inferred from prior observational studies. Platforms and others may rely on these tendencies in encouraging tie formation, with broader implications for network structure and information diffusion in online networks. | 2025-05-10T17:09:35.893572 | 2025-05-10T17:26:23.090289 | 2025-05-10T17:26:11.247502 | socarxiv | 1 | accepted | 2 | 1 | https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/ys8zw_v2 | No license | Twitter; field experiment; homophily; reciprocity; social networks; transitivity | ["Twitter", "field experiment", "homophily", "reciprocity", "social networks", "transitivity"] | Mohsen Mosleh; Dean Eckles; David Rand | [{"id": "6nvmy", "name": "Mohsen Mosleh", "index": 0, "orcid": "0000-0001-7313-5035", "bibliographic": true}, {"id": "89b78", "name": "Dean Eckles", "index": 1, "orcid": "0000-0001-8439-442X", "bibliographic": true}, {"id": "s4y83", "name": "David Rand", "index": 2, "orcid": "0000-0001-8975-2783", "bibliographic": true}] | Mohsen Mosleh | Social and Behavioral Sciences; Psychology; Social Psychology; Economics; Social Statistics; Communication; Communication Technology and New Media; Sociology; Economic Sociology; Organizations, Occupations, and Work; Social Psychology and Interaction | [{"id": "5a8c80f7c698300375c76d84", "text": "Social and Behavioral Sciences"}, {"id": "5a8c80f7c698300375c76d98", "text": "Psychology"}, {"id": "5a8c80f7c698300375c76da2", "text": "Social Psychology"}, {"id": "5a8c80f8c698300375c76dbe", "text": "Economics"}, {"id": "5a8c80f9c698300375c76e0c", "text": "Social Statistics"}, {"id": "5a8c80f9c698300375c76e0d", "text": "Communication"}, {"id": "5a8c80f9c698300375c76e0f", "text": "Communication Technology and New Media"}, {"id": "5a8c80fac698300375c76e20", "text": "Sociology"}, {"id": "5a8c80fac698300375c76e2d", "text": "Economic Sociology"}, {"id": "5a8c80fac698300375c76e38", "text": "Organizations, Occupations, and Work"}, {"id": "5a8c80fac698300375c76e4b", "text": "Social Psychology and Interaction"}] | https://osf.io/download/681f885dc2a521280e7a1aa6 | 1 | D.E. was previously a consultant to Twitter while writing this paper. D.E. and D.R. have received funding from Meta for other research. Meta has sponsored a conference that D.E. organizes. | no | available | ["https://aspredicted.org/as4xt.pdf"] | 2025-05-11T00:11:37.455732 |