Networks and Consumption

Networks are observed in many different aspects of our world. Trains and public transportation follow established networks. Communication often occurs across networks, such as via telecommunication or e-mail. Mechanical parts and electronics form networks. Other examples include the network between a television, a DVD player, and a satellite dish. One thing that all of these examples have in common is that they share a connection or link, which forms a complementary relationship. While the individual parts operate in isolation, their inclusion as a whole affects their function and utility. A specific type of network whose study has begun to span multiple disciplines is social networks. Social networks are similar to the networks discussed above. They involve individual components (i.e., human beings) linked in a complementary ...