Cascade (theory)

Cascade theory describes how information, influence, or events spread through networks or systems in a sequential, step-by-step manner. Think of it as a domino effect, where one action triggers a series of similar actions downstream. For example, in social networks, a single person's opinion can influence their friends, who then influence their friends’ friends, creating a ripple effect. This concept helps explain phenomena like viral content, the spread of rumors, or cascading failures in infrastructure, emphasizing how interconnected components or individuals can lead to rapid, large-scale changes from initial small triggers.