MENTAL MODEL · M0970

Small-world Network

CollaborateHigh supportCommunication Studies

Included

Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Most nodes are not directly connected, but any other node can be reached in a few steps. It has a high clustering coefficient (friends circle) and a short average path length (global village).

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Understand the efficiency of propagation. This is why viruses, rumors, and trends can sweep the globe in an instant. You are only a few steps away from the President of the United States or a refugee in Africa.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

A network that combines a high clustering coefficient with a short average path length. Most nodes are connected to only a few neighbors, but through a small number of 'hub' nodes, any two points can be reached in a few steps (six degrees of separation).

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

When analyzing system connections, first determine whether there are a small number of high-connectivity hubs and a large number of low-connectivity nodes. Use hubs for information propagation
protect or reduce hubs to control risk.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

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zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B0%8F%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E7%B6%B2%E8%B7%AFZH · Explicit
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