The Theory of 6 Degrees of Separation is the idea that every human on earth is connected by 6 or fewer steps through a network of relationships. The theory was originally introduced in 1929 by Frigyes Karinthy, a Hungarian playwright. A relationship is defined as any interaction you may have had with a person in your lifetime.
Let me give you an example
A couple of years ago, I met Dennis Rodman at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. Dennis Rodman is known to be a close friend of Kim Jong Un. Therefore, I am connected to Kim Jong Un through 2 degrees of separation. If you comment on this article and I respond, we will have had an interaction. Therefore, you will be connected to Kim Jong Un through 3 degrees of separation. Everyone you’ve ever interacted with will be connected to Kim Jong Un through 4 degrees of separation, and so on.
Does this theory have any merit? Probably not, considering the fact that there are still native tribes that have lived in isolation for thousands of years. Microsoft conducted a study that concluded that on average, people are separated by 6.6 degrees of separation. However, this study was based on internet connectivity and disregards the fact that there are still 4 billion people in the developing world without internet access.
It’s still an interesting concept to think about.
