Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M4917

Network Externality

Network Externality
BusinessHigh supportEconomics
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

The utility a user derives from a product depends on the number of other users. The more users, the greater the utility for each user. Scaffold role: The engine of positive feedback. Network externalities are the fundamental reason why platforms can achieve monopoly and the theoretical basis for heavy subsidies to acquire users in the early stages.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

The engine of positive feedback. Network externalities are the fundamental reason why platforms can achieve monopoly and the theoretical basis for heavy subsidies to acquire users in the early stages.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

The increase in users brings positive or negative external benefits to other users, emphasizing the mutual external influence among users.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%BD%91%E7%BB%9C%E5%A4%96%E9%83%A8%E6%80%A7ZH · Explicit
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