Tie Strength vs. Network Overlap: Why Information from Lovers is More Valuable than from Close Friends on Social Network Sites?

Network structure is an important determinant of information value contained in individuals’ social networks. Researchers argue whether more value is contained in strongly connected cohesive networks or the weaker ones that are rich in structural holes. In the paper we differentiate between two measures of network structure - tie strength and network overlap – and explore their impact on the value of information that users derive from Social Network Sites. We analyze the data collected trough a survey administered to 121 Facebook users via a platform application. Our findings reveal that although users prefer information from their stronger ties on the network, high overlap in their networks decreases information value