Connected: The Power of Six Degrees

Released in 2015, Connected: The Power of Six Degrees is a documentary film that dives into the world of network science and explores its far-reaching implications. The documentary, directed by Cameron Carpenter, presents an intriguing concept - the idea that all individuals on the planet are connected to each other via a maximum of six intermediaries. This notion has fascinated people for decades, with many regarding it as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of humanity. The documentary sets out to prove this concept by selecting a random person and tracking them down a friend of a friend. They begin with the concept of Milgram's Six Degrees of Separation experiment, which suggests that if a person is chosen at random, they can find someone they know who is connected to anyone else on the planet within six handshakes. The experiment, led by psychologist Stanley Milgram in the 1960s, found that the average distance in social networks between any two people in the United States was a mere 5.5 degrees. The documentary takes this concept and applies it to modern-day social networks, including online platforms. They demonstrate the connectedness by selecting an American woman named Chelsea, and through online research and interviews, try to connect her to someone they had in mind - an elderly woman from Iceland. The connection process is shown in real-time, and the documentary crew meticulously documents each handoff, from Chelsea to her friends to their friends and so on, until they finally connect with the Icelandic woman. As the documentary progresses, it reveals the complex web of connections that underlies modern society. The producers show how online social networks like Facebook and Twitter have reduced the world, making it easier to connect with people from distant lands. They explore various social networks - from online gaming communities to business networks - to demonstrate the ease and speed with which information and connections can be disseminated. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the concept of homophily - the tendency for people to associate with others who share similar characteristics, such as age, occupation, or hobbies. The documentary shows how online platforms cater to these preferences, creating insular communities that reinforce existing social bonds, rather than fostering connections across the board. The film also examines the concept of centrality - the relative distance from a central hub or node in a network. It explores the idea that certain individuals, such as celebrities or influencers, play a crucial role in facilitating connections and disseminating information across the network. These individuals serve as hubs, and their relationships with others act as bridges that connect different communities. Connected: The Power of Six Degrees sheds light on the complex and sometimes unexpected ways in which people interact with each other. The documentary takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the world of network science, revealing the intricate web of relationships that underlies modern society. By exploring the six degrees of separation concept, the film provides a thought-provoking look at the interconnectedness of humanity and the profound implications this has for our understanding of social networks and relationships. One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is its ability to illustrate the profound impact of technology on our relationships. The filmmakers show how social media platforms have reduced the world, making it easier to connect with people from distant lands. At the same time, they highlight the limitations of these platforms in fostering connections across the board. They demonstrate how online communities can be insular and reinforcing of existing social bonds, rather than fostering connections with people from diverse backgrounds. In conclusion, Connected: The Power of Six Degrees is a captivating documentary that explores the intriguing concept of six degrees of separation. By delving into the world of network science and tracking down connections across the globe, the film provides a fascinating look at the complex web of relationships that underlies modern society. It sheds light on the concept of centrality, homophily, and the pivotal role that influencers and hub individuals play in facilitating connections and disseminating information across the network. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers with a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity and the far-reaching implications this has for our understanding of social networks and relationships.