the network simulation

The Network Simulation

LIS590SF – Social ComputingCraig Evans (Fall 2012)

Remember this?

Premise Simulations are computer based Simulations rely on stable inputs Simulations model everything the same

… but people are not the same

Research Question Can we create a simulation model using

the internet?

What if … Instead of using a simulator, you had a

custom Facebook app that spread the infection to your friends …

… and their friends … and their friends

How far could it go?

Facebook Population 1,000,000,000

Where everybody knows your name ……or knows someone who knows someone…

(I guess people have more friends in the UK)

So, I bring you …

NET OF THE LIVING DEAD

THE SOCIAL NETWORK SIMULATION

Coming to Facebook … Halloween 2012

What’s the plan? Custom Facebook Application Record who invites others (both anonymized) Record where they are (from profile? IP?) Monitor spread over time Determine the mavens, connectors, and ties Do a really nice network graph Have it ready to go for Halloween 2012