More friends, more division: Study finds growing social circles may fuel polarization

I’m a big believer in Dunbar's number and I think it shows up all over the place in society. I particularly think the intersection of social media and the limits suggested by Dunbar's number are something we've ignored to our detriment.

This article caught my eye in a big way because it is talking about similar concepts — count of friends in certain levels. It suggests that our "close friends" number has risen, and that changes dynamics in notable ways.

Tolerance plays a central role. "If I have two friends, I do everything I can to keep them--I am very tolerant towards them. But if I have five and things become difficult with one of them, it's easier to end that friendship because I still have 'backups.' I no longer need to be as tolerant," explains Thurner.

Super interesting theory.