Connected: Amazing Power of Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives

by Nicholas A. Christakis, James H. Fowler

Format: Paperback 352 pages

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Synopsis

Who do you have sex with and why? Is happiness catching? Is wealth contagious? Can your friends make you fat? Why do you bother to vote? Does free will exist? Your friend's friend starts smoking, suddenly you find yourself reaching for a cigarette. But how can someone you'll never know make you fatter, happier and have more sex? This brilliantly original exploration of 'social contagion' examines the power of social networks to influence our behaviour. We like to think that we are largely in control of our day-to-day lives, yet most of what we do, from what we eat to who we sleep with, and even the way we feel, is significantly influenced by those around us -- and those around them, and those around them. Our actions can change the behaviours, the beliefs, and even the basic health of people we've never met. In their illuminating account of the pervasive and often bizarre qualities of social networks, pre-eminent social scientists Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler explain why obesity is contagious, why the rich get richer, even how we find and choose our partners. Intriguing and entertaining, with revelatory implications for everything from our notion of the individual to ideas about healthcare and social inequality 'Connected' will change the way you think about every aspect of your life.

Book details

Published
04/02/2010

Publisher
HarperPress

ISBN
9780007347438



Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

'What makes us human -- for good and bad -- is our social nature. Nowhere is this complex, wonderful, and sometimes dark part of us more clearly revealed than in "Connected". In a social world exploding with new ways to interact, "Connected" is a user's guide for ourselves in the 21st century.' Dan Ariely, bestselling author of 'Predictably Irrational' 'Christakis and Fowler have written THE book on the exciting new science of social networks. With passion and precision, these two internationally renowned scientists expose the invisible webs that connect each of us to the other, and in so doing cast our lives here together in an astonishing new light. We think we are individuals who control our own fates, but as Christakis and Fowler demonstrate, we are merely cells in the nervous system of a much greater beast. If someone you barely know reads "Connected", it could change your life forever. How? Read it yourself and find out.' Daniel Gilbert, bestselling author of 'Stumbling on Happiness' 'This wonderful book by Christakis and Fowler could well be one of the most important works of the decade. In a clear and engaging way, the authors apply their creative and provocative findings on social networks to understanding not only our social relationships but also the forces that shape our world. Full of fascinating stories and examples, this book is essential in understanding our very nature. A must read.' Ed Diener, author of 'Happiness' 'Margaret Thatcher said there is no such thing as society. Hillary Clinton wrote that it takes a village. In their new book, Christakis and Fowler write, "We don't live in groups, we live in networks," and they back this up with dozens of interconnected stories of research findings by themselves and others, ranging from bank runs to suicide prevention, from nut allergies among schoolchildren to epidemics in virtual worlds, from the spread of happiness to the spread of voting. The combination of speculation and science is fascinating and leaves me eager to learn about the next wave of research in this area.' Andrew Gelman, author of 'Red State, Blue State' 'A God's-eye view of social relationships that may make you dizzy. Every business leader, teacher, and parent should see their life from this vantage.' Chip Heath, author of 'Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die'

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