With the current online space, you have probably come across the terms social network and social graph. Social networking apps, such as Facebook, are synonymous with these terms, as popularized by Mark Zuckerberg. While they may be used in the same context, they have differences as outlined below.   

What is Social Network?

A social network can be defined as a social structure comprising a set of social actors, sets of ties and social interaction between the actors. Social networks have existed since ages ago. The interaction of people with each other is depicted as networks between individuals and groups. At the individual level, friendships and enmities are formed, pupils play together, colleagues form study groups, and organizations join hands for projects not to mention the nation’s sates wage wars against other nations. All these depict a social network. 

A social network consists of a set of nodes, also referred to as vertices or actors which are connected through certain relations, also referred to as arcs, links, ties or edges. The nodes represent actors, be it groups, individuals, teams, organizations or communities while ties represent a form of social interaction such as sharing a message. Most common, the points may be social media users, such as Facebook. Here, the links indicate likes or friends. Social networks provide avenues of analyzing social network theories and examine network dynamics, global and local patterns and identify influential entities. 

What is Social Graph?

This is a structure that represents social relations among entities and is used to represent a global mapping of inter-relations between people. The term was popular on Facebook but has now been expanded to represent a social graph of all internet users. 

As of 2010, Facebook had the largest social network dataset in the entire world. It’s still ranked as the largest and has the largest number of users among all websites. Facebook, however, has a major advantage over other service providers as its social graph is entirely owned by the company. Facebook monetizes this by collecting data through social commerce and direct marketing.  

Despite having the largest social network, Facebook creates an online experience that is not as faultless as the social network is unaware of different relationships created on a different level by individuals. 

Similarities between Social network and Social graph

• Both enhance inter-connection among entities

Differences between Social network and Social graph

Definition

Social network refers to a social structure comprising a set of social actors, sets of ties and social interaction between the actors. On the other hand, the social graph refers to a structure that represents social relations among entities and is used to represent a global mapping of inter-relations between people. 

Role

Social networks provide avenues of analyzing social network theories and examine network dynamics, global and local patterns and identify influential entities. On the other hand, social graphs are used to represent a global mapping of inter-relations between people. 

Social network vs. Social graph: Comparison Table

Summary of Social network vs. Social graph

Social network refers to a social structure comprising a set of social actors, sets of ties and social interaction between the actors. On the other hand, the social graph refers to a structure that represents social relations among entities and is used to represent a global mapping of inter-relations between people. Both, however, enhance inter-connection among entities. 

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