Erin Meger (Ryerson University) - The Iterated Local Model for Social Networks

Nov 11th, 4:00 PM, Votey 207

Abstract: On-line social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are often studied through friendships between users. Adversarial relationships also play an important role in the structure of these social networks. We define the Iterated Local Model (ILM) utilizing the transitive and anti-transitive generative mechanisms within social networks. These mechanisms provide a precise analogy to the adages "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," and "friends of friends are friends." 

Complex networks exhibit four key properties: large scale, evolution over time, power law degree distribution, and the small world property. Densification is also observed in complex networks, where the average degree of the network increases over time. Each of these properties will be discussed for the ILM. Structural properties of the graphs generated by ILM, including the hamiltonicity and the chromatic number, will also be explored. 

Joint work with Anthony Bonato, Huda Chuangpishit, Sean English, Bill Kay.