The Nature of Relationship Reconnection in Social Networks: Documenting the Process of Reactivating Dormant Ties
Abstract
Dormant ties are defined by the lack of communication over an extended period between two parties who once possessed an active connection (Haythornthwaite, 2002). To date, only a few studies have investigated the concept of dormant ties and the process of reconnection. The core of this proposal focuses on situating dormant ties in the context of social networks as a means for documenting their nature and function as well as for exploring the purpose and process of relationship reconnection. This project will examine factors that affect decisions to select and reconnect with a once active but now dormant tie. Although ties may be selected due to situational factors, other influences are also likely to be influential. Moreover, the proposed project would offer a novel examination of the life cycle of reconnections longitudinally. The proposed project has three main objectives: 1. To explore the under-researched value of dormant ties to social networks and social capital. 2. To investigate decision-making processes of reactivating dormant ties 3. To examine the persistence of reconnections with dormant ties The proposed project will address the objectives in three phases. Phase 1 will address foundational issues in investigating the nature and function of dormant ties as well as the relationship reconnection process. Phase 2 will address decision making processes associated with activating dormant ties. This phase will use a standard network elicitation techniques in documenting the prevalence of dormant in social networks and utilize researcher-selected characteristics developed from Phase 1 results. A primary focus of this phase is to assess the process individuals undergo in deciding to activate a tie through a set of validated instruments and open-ended questions. Phase 3 will build on the previous phases by documenting the persistence or life cycle of reconnections with dormant ties. Across the three phases the project will utilize multiple empirical methods to develop a broad understanding of reconnection including retrospective/recall, an analysis of current participant network structure, and a quasi-experimental approach for assessing dormant ties relative to active ones. Data will be collected through online surveys as well as laboratory sessions. Due to the nature of the project, non- college aged populations will be targeted with an emphasis on recruiting former and present military personnel. Addressing these core objectives can serve as a central pathway for the next generation of research and theorizing on dormant ties, which may provide insight into more complex, associated social processes and as a platform for fundamental advancements in this area. The results should be of particular interest to the Armed Forces given the recent and present military campaigns in which identifying the presence of Òsleeper cellsÓ and their linkages to influential others are essential to success. The findings may also assist in the creation of advanced predictive models for identifying ties that are most likely to be activated. The findings associated with this proposal may begin to provide insight into the benefits of reconnecting with ties as both sources of social support and psych . The results of this proposed project holds the potential to provide rich insight into these timely and relevant issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1510314
Entities
People
- Artemio Ramirez
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of South Florida