Leading public health and social network scientist Nicholas Christakis spoke at TED in February. As a doctor and public health researcher, he brings the study of social networks back to its roots as a tool to understand disease spread. One of his better known research projects shows that obesity can be contagious.
While watching the presentation, you quickly realize that visualization of data related to obesity, emotions, and friendships is more effective than tables of numbers in explaining how the power of our connections can influence our behavior.
Interesting factoid: if your friend’s friend’s friend is obese, your risk of obesity is 10% higher.
In other words, something is spreading.Continue reading