Social network analysis (SNA) is a methodological and theoretical approach to model, describe, analyze, and visualize networks of social agents or components. A network is a set of interconnected elements that can be represented by a graph, which is a mathematical structure of nodes sometimes connected by edges. This entry presents an overview of concepts and methods in SNA and explains their relevance in research of mass media and society.

Modeling Networks

The importance of SNA in mass media and communication research arose as a result of the impact of Internet and user-generated content on mass media and communication, given the spread of large amount of messages and the intensification of interactions between persons situated in distant and different locations. However, the origin of SNA is linked ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles