Final answer:
Granovetter's model of 'strength of ties' differentiates between strong ties, which consist of close, supportive connections, and weak ties, which are less intimate and more informal. Strong ties are essential for providing support and maintaining engagement in high-risk activities, whereas weak ties are important for disseminating information across social groups. Social media generally forms weak ties but can evolve into strong ties through persistent interaction and primary group formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mark Granovetter introduced the concept of 'strength of ties' to describe the varying levels of closeness or emotional intensity, trust, and reciprocal services which characterize the relationships between two individuals. He modeled these ties by categorizing them as either strong, weak, or absent, suggesting that strong ties exist between close friends and family members while weak ties are social connections between acquaintances or people who interact infrequently. His model has significant implications for social networks, indicating that while strong ties are critical for personal support and the spread of complex ideas, weak ties play a crucial role in spreading information and creating bridges between social groups.
In the context of high-risk activism like the civil rights movement, Granovetter's model is supported by observations that reveal how participants with strong-tie connections, such as close friends within the movement, are more likely to remain engaged despite high risks, compared to those with predominantly weak-tie affiliations who may disengage when faced with danger despite equal ideological commitment. Social media, which often fosters weak-tie relationships, illustrates this concept in the modern age, as it can provide vast networks for sharing information but may not always motivate individuals to take significant risks for one another unless these online connections evolve into stronger, more personal bonds.