# Cumulative effects of triadic closure and homophily in social networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.06057 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1809.06057/

## Key facts

- Cited by 10 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 17 Sep 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 10 of 10)

- [Revisiting Link Prediction: A Data Perspective](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.00793/) (2023)
- [Inference of hyperedges and overlapping communities in hypergraphs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.05646/) (2022)
- [Generative Graph Pattern Machine](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.16130/) (2025)
- [Towards Digital Twin Oriented Modelling of Complex Networked Systems and Their Dynamics: A Comprehensive Survey](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.09363/) (2022)
- [Disentangling homophily, community structure and triadic closure in networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.02510/) (2021)
- [Investigating and Modeling the Dynamics of Long Ties](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.10523/) (2021)
- [Topological properties and organizing principles of semantic networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2304.12940/) (2023)
- [Studying and Improving Graph Neural Network-based Motif Estimation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.15709/) (2025)
- [Delayed and Indirect Impacts of Link Recommendations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.09700/) (2023)
- [How Predicted Links Influence Network Evolution: Disentangling Choice and Algorithmic Feedback in Dynamic Graphs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2603.03945/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Much of the structure in social networks has been explained by two seemingly independent network evolution mechanisms: triadic closure and homophily. While it is common to consider these mechanisms separately or in the frame of a static model, empirical studies suggest that their dynamic interplay is the very process responsible for the homophilous patterns of association seen in off- and online social networks. By combining these two mechanisms in a minimal solvable dynamic model, we confirm theoretically the long-held and empirically established hypothesis that homophily can be amplified by the triadic closure mechanism. This research approach allows us to estimate how much of the observed homophily in various friendship and communication networks is due to amplification for a given amount of triadic closure. We find that the cumulative advantage-like process leading to homophily amplification can, under certain circumstances, also lead to the widely documented core-periphery structure of social networks, as well as to the emergence of memory of previous homophilic constraints (equivalent to hysteresis phenomena in physics). The theoretical understanding provided by our results highlights the importance of early intervention in managing at the societal level the most adverse effects of homophilic decision-making, such as inequality, segregation and online echo chambers.