The week 4.2 readings by Albert-László Barabási focus on networks and how they operate. Not only are networks found on the Internet, they are also a part of nature and our everyday social lives.
When describing networks, we need to remember that all networks adhere to two laws as they evolve.
1. Networks are always growing, little by little, node by node. They don’t stay the same size.
2. Network nodes link with one another based upon preferential attachment. Nodes usually link to hubs that are already linked to many other nodes rather than linking to a less connected node. In other words, nodes prefer to link to popular ones, rather than linking to any old node.
The reading shares how the network of Hollywood actors works according to the laws above. The producer chooses actors that have had many roles in the past, because he knows that popular actors will draw bigger crowds than lesser-known actors.
Actors with more links have a higher chance of getting new roles. Albert-László Barabási
Thus, the richer get richer idea is at work here. Popular actors get chosen, whilst making it harder and harder for new actors to enter the scene.
It also works in a similar way in the network of employers. When we go to an employer to find a job, we hand in our resume. Will he choose to hire us? It depends whether you have enough links on your resume and life experience to warrant a job. The employer is usually looking to hire the person who has the most links to the relevant skills, good character, or work ethic required in the vacant position.
In the same way as the Hollywood example, a well-rounded worker with impressive links to the right areas should never have trouble finding work. This is because of preferential attachment, the fact that employers are looking for the best option or choice available.