Sociology Seminar | Visibility of Characteristics, and Behaviors in Human Social Networks (Skype Seminar)

In the seminar, I will discuss the roles of the visibility of characteristics and behaviors in human social networks. When the information of a characteristic (e.g. socioeconomic status, emotional well-being, gender, and race/ethnicity) or behavior (e.g., motorcycle helmet use and physical activity) is available to others, that can impact the others’ perception, emotion, and even behavior. If your friend buys a Chanel bag and shows it to you (or post it on Facebook or Instagram), you may start thinking of buying a high-end bag. I will introduce his current and past relevant research: (1) examining the effects of manipulating the visibility of socioeconomic status (e.g. whether or not people can refer to others’ wealth), (2) examining the effects of manipulating the visibility of motorcycle helmet use in global health settings, and (3) examining the consequences of the visibility of human characteristics such as gender in scientists’ citation behavior.