Watts-Strogatz Model

The Watts-Strogatz model is a mathematical framework for understanding how social networks form. It starts with a regular network where each person is connected to their neighbors, similar to a circle of friends. To reflect real-life social networks, some connections are randomly rewired, creating "shortcuts." This mixing maintains local connections while introducing long-distance links, allowing information to spread quickly. The model highlights how networks can be both tightly knit and loosely connected, capturing the balance that fosters resilience and innovation in social interactions.