A model of quantifying social relationships

Abstract

This article proposes a mathematical model for quantifying relationships between agents within a network based on their similarity, dissimilarity, level of friendship, group and activity status of the agent. We propose a set of functions to facilitate quantifying social dynamics. Our functions cover the comparison of an agent with group and comparing a group with groups based on their set of attributes. We also propose a model of comparison for agent vs. agent based on their attributes, features and the likelihood of attribute similarity between agents. The model employs a method of determining connection probabilities between nodes in order to find hidden connections between agents. We build on existing work in the study of social networks.