Imagine this: You’re scrolling through LinkedIn or Twitter, and a post from a distant acquaintance—maybe an old classmate, a former colleague, or a friend of a friend—catches your eye. They share a job posting, an insightful article, or a new perspective that shifts your thinking. You don’t talk to them often, but their post changes something for you.

This is the power of weak ties.

In 1973, sociologist Mark Granovetter introduced the concept of the strength of weak ties, a theory that remains one of the most influential ideas in social science. He argued that while our close friends (strong ties) provide emotional support, it’s often our acquaintances (weak ties) who introduce us to new opportunities, ideas, and information.

Fast forward to today’s digital landscape, and Granovetter’s theory is more relevant than ever. Social media platforms have supercharged weak ties, allowing us to connect with people across industries, cultures, and geographies. But with AI now curating what we see, the question........

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