Weak connections
The Weak Tie Theory
Weak tie theory is a concept in sociology which highlights the importance of weak connections (with people), that is, the significance of acquaintances.
Weak ties help you grow and develop more than you might think.
We all have a circle- people with similar interest, hobbies, mindsets or ambitions. This circle helps you feel heard and understood. However, it also works like a filter bubble. The topics you talk about, ideas you hear are restricted to the circle’s interest.
This is the gap weak ties fulfill. They provide you with perceptions and ideas that differ from what your circle might indulge in. New opportunities, new passions, new thoughts, new feelings, even. That is what acquaintances provide, which your circle might not. Weak ties allow you to view world in different ways than you do, and that assists you to grow.
Acquaintances open new doors, and weak ties have been seen to have a remarkable impact on employment, too. They help you gain knowledge and news you might not from your filter bubble, since the topics are confined to what interest to you.
Weak ties also help you develop interactive skills too, and in maintaining and working on your impressions. They press you to mindful and precise while interacting, assisting your social skill development.
Your circle may motivate you to grow, but weak ties push you grow.
Your circle knows who you are, your acquaintances know who you might not be.
I love this theory of weak ties, and I agree that it’s equally as important as personal deep ties.
For a personal example, having interactions with many of different religions, nationalities, or even occupations. Their worldviews is completely different and it forces you to change, grow, learn, and re-evaluate your knowledge, beliefs, and self.
Even though perhaps you wouldn’t depend on them for deep life advice, they help you to grow in your own life. And in turn, you help them.
Interesting take. I am more of a fan of deep connections than superficial ones, but I think this theory might be onto something. But what makes a connection weak, or strong?
I think the entire "connection" mechanism on LinkedIn is just super weak ties. This theory might explain it. But I don't really see the point of having 999 connections; though I am not really in search of jobs or anything right now, so my opinion may change later.
Or is it the other kind: the random strangers you meet on a discord server, who have actually interesting thoughts. Because if I am going to have fleeting, weak ties, I am definitely going to choose that.
Which makes me think if there are "kinds" of weak ties. Much like Mill's theory of higher and lower Pleasure.
Let me know what you think.