Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-11-2015
Abstract
By integrating the simplicial model of social aggregation with existing research on opinion leadership and diffusion networks, this article introduces the constructs of simplicial diffusers (mathematically defined as nodes embedded in simplexes; a simplex is a socially bonded cluster) and simplicial diffusing sets (mathematically defined as minimal covers of a simplicial complex; a simplicial complex is a social aggregation in which socially bonded clusters are embedded) to propose a strategic approach for information diffusion of cancer screenings as a health intervention on Facebook for community cancer prevention and control. This approach is novel in its incorporation of interpersonally bonded clusters, culturally distinct subgroups, and different united social entities that co-exist within a larger community into a computational simulation to select sets of simplicial diffusers with the highest degree of information diffusion for health intervention dissemination. The unique contributions of the article also include seven propositions and five algorithmic steps for computationally modeling the simplicial model with Facebook data.
Recommended Citation
Kee, K. F., Sparks, L., Struppa, D. C., Mannucci, M. A., & Damiano, A. (2016). Information diffusion, Facebook clusters, and the simplicial model of social aggregation: a computational simulation of simplicial diffusers for community health interventions. Health Communication, 31, 385-399. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2014.960061
Copyright
Routledge/Taylor & Francis
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Health Communication Commons, Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, OS and Networks Commons, Other Computer Sciences Commons, Social Media Commons
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Health Communication, volume 31, issue 4, in 2016, available online at DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2014.960061.