Facebook is more than a social network, it’s a dating prediction service…erm, or something like that! A recent study from Cornell University states that Facebook is able to predict whether a couple is likely to break up within 60 days.
According to the study, researchers found that the shape and connectivity of your friend network determine whether or not people are in a relationship. If two people have two widely dispersed friends (not that many common mutual friends), but are connected to one another- it is a likely predictor of whether or not you’re in a relationship.
For example, if you and your boyfriend are in a relationship, it is likely that your boyfriend will become connected (via FB) to some individuals who are in your friend network that would otherwise not be connected to them! The study suggests that the more connected your networks are to one another (i.e. friends that connect that aren’t otherwise related to your own circles), the more likely a couple is to stay together!
I guess the same theory can translate to real life- the more a couple ‘shares’ and connects with the friends/family/coworkers of their significant other, the more likely it reflects the longevity of a relationship.
