Final answer:
Patterns of social ties among actors are largely visible, particularly in scenarios such as high-risk activism where strong ties encourage sustained engagement. While social media is often considered a weak-tie environment, it has the potential to evolve into strong-tie connections, contributing to social solidarity and the formation of social capital.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the visibility of patterns of social ties among actors, which can be both observable and hidden. In social movements like the civil rights movement, strong-tie networks were crucial in maintaining participation despite high risks. Strong ties are characterized by close friendships or relationships, which encourage individuals to remain engaged in activism, even in the face of danger. On the other hand, social media is typically associated with weak-tie networks, where connections are more casual, and the level of risk people are willing to take for those they are connected to is limited.
However, weak ties still play a significant role in our social structure and can sometimes evolve into stronger ties. For instance, when individuals who are part of an online community meet in person, this can lead to more meaningful connections. Furthermore, online interactions can sometimes create primary group status, with strong ties forming even if the individuals never meet face-to-face.
It's therefore true that patterns of social ties, like the strong-tie phenomenon seen in high-risk activism, are largely visible within groups of actors. It's also important to consider the role of social solidarity and the influence of 'social networks' or social capital in fostering cooperation, trust, and a willingness to act for the collective good.