Reciprocity

Reciprocity in Social Networks

An important distinction is between interpersonal and social network reciprocity. Within interpersonal relationships, receiving can be limited by the perceived ability to repay the gift. If an individual believes that there will be no opportunity to repay the “gift,” the gesture will often be refused. Otherwise, the receiver will be permanently indebted to the giver with no opportunity to repay the debt. The result is that reciprocity in interpersonal relationships is limited by the recipient's perception of future opportunities with the giver.

Social networks provide a different and more flexible arrangement for repayment. When an individual gives to a member of a social network, the common implication is that repayment does not need to be directly to the original giver but to another person in the network. For example, the requisite invitation to join the network may have to come from a current member. When the member gives the gift of an invitation, the implied understanding may be that the new initiate will do likewise for future potential members. It would be impossible to repay the original giver, but receiving is contingent on agreeing to behave likewise in order to propagate and sustain the social network. The likelihood of repayment increases because of the greater number of potential recipients. If the opportunities for repayment are greater, the initial willingness to receive is also greater.

Similarly, the method of repayment within a social network may be dispersed rather than directed at the primal giver. Because there are more perceived options for repayment, initial willingness to receive is more likely. In other words, individuals are more open to receiving if they believe the chances of relieving the indebtedness are greater.

Members of social networks also promote the sustainment and strength of the network by monitoring a lack of reciprocity. Often members who are judged to not adequately repay are eliminated from the network. This exile can be accomplished by direct means, like removal, or indirect means such as the elimination of access to network resources or a termination of reciprocal acts.

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