Similarity breeds connection. This principle—the homophily principle—structures network
ties of every type, including marriage, friendship, work, advice, support, information transfer,
exchange, comembership, and other types of relationship. The result is that people's
personal networks are homogeneous with regard to many sociodemographic, behavioral,
and intrapersonal characteristics. Homophily limits people's social worlds in a way that has
powerful implications for the information they receive, the attitudes they form, and the …