Identity traits strongly shape US friendships, marriages

Why this is here: The MAPS model used data from over 41,800 US high school students to determine which identity traits most influence long-term friendships.

Fariba Karimi from TU Graz and Samuel Martin-Gutierrez from the Complexity Science Hub developed a model revealing how identity traits influence social connections in the United States. Their statistical model, called MAPS, analyzed friendship networks of 41,800 high school students and marriage records from the 50 largest US cities.

The research indicates people are highly selective when forming relationships. Positive assessments across all identity characteristics are necessary to initiate friendships or marriages. A single negative assessment of a trait can prevent a connection, even with other strong similarities.

Grade level and ethnic background most strongly influenced high school friendships. Age, gender, and ethnicity proved most important in predicting marriages.

The researchers suggest increasing opportunities for diverse groups to interact may help bridge social boundaries. The model doesn't explain why certain traits are prioritized over others, leaving open questions about underlying preferences.