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Anthon, thanks for bringing the article to our attention.
http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13176775&fsrc=nwlptwfree<about:blank>
I've used the "Dunbar Number" since it's publication in developing many of my social dynamics models. I believe the Dumber Number can only be realistically applied to groups that at least occasionally meet face-to-face. That is because face-to-face interactions also bring into play hormonal and neurological changes in people involved which are minimized/excludes in virtual relationships.
The new field of "social neuroscience" in the past 5 years has made some groundbreaking discoveries (and continues to do so) about our neurological/chemical activities that take place in our face-to-face interactions as summarized below:
. Hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin promote trust and bonding.
. Neurotransmitters: dopamine (enhances attention) and serotonin (reduces fear and worry).
. Mirror cells: reproduces other person's actions/emotions in our brains.
. Spindle cells: instantly choose best response among many.
. Oscillator cells: regulate how and when bodies move together.
Cheers,
Charlie
Charles (Kalev) Ehin, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Management
The Gore School of Business
Westminster College, Salt Lake City
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
www.UnManagement.com<http://www.unmanagement.com/>
----- Original Message -----
From: E. Anthon Eff<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 11:02 AM
Subject: [SOCNET] Facebook and Dunbar number
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Just-published short article in the Economist (free content) on size of
social networks:
http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13176775&fsrc=nwlptwfree<http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=13176775&fsrc=nwlptwfree>
--
E. Anthon Eff, Associate Professor
Dept. of Economics, Middle Tennessee State University
Box X050, Murfreesboro TN 37132
Phone: 615.898.2387
http://www.mtsu.edu/~eaeff/<http://www.mtsu.edu/~eaeff/>
Natura non facit saltum.
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