Linked: The New Science of Networks

Interesting Facts

• The book explains how networks like the Internet, social networks, and even biological systems follow certain patterns and principles that can be studied and modeled.
• Barabási introduces the concept of scale-free networks, characterized by nodes with a very high number of connections, making them resilient to random failures but vulnerable to targeted attacks.
• The author describes the phenomenon of «six degrees of separation», suggesting that any two people on Earth are connected through a chain of no more than six mutual acquaintances.
• The book explores how network structures affect the spread of information, epidemics, and even economic crises, showing that understanding networks can help in predicting and managing such phenomena.
• Barabási uses examples from various fields, including biology, computer science, and sociology, to demonstrate the universality of network principles.