6.6 degrees of separation

The old idea that everyone in the world is connected to everyone else within 6 degrees of separation got some statistical support recently.

A study by Microsoft, based on MS Messenger instant messaging usage, says that on average, every Messenger user is connected to every other Messenger user within 6.6 degrees of separation.

Of course, that's people using Microsoft IM. There's a lot more people using Yahoo, AIM, etc., and many people who use more than one service (like me). I would guess that the real number for IM users around the world is lower. But, IM users are still a small portion of humanity.

Note: If the link to the Washington Post article asks you to register, get an ID off bugmenot.com.

Note2: You can get the full research report from http://research.microsoft.com/~horvitz/Messenger_graph_www.htm