small-world phenomenon

The small-world phenomenon refers to the idea that, despite the vast number of people in the world, most individuals are surprisingly connected by a short chain of acquaintances. This concept is often illustrated by the phrase "six degrees of separation," which suggests that any two people can be linked through a chain of no more than six mutual friends. This phenomenon highlights how social networks, whether in real life or online, facilitate connections and the spread of information, making the world feel smaller and more interconnected than it seems at first glance.