Have you ever felt like your friends were more popular than you? Perhaps you’re a little insecure about how many sexual partners you’ve had, or the number of connections you have on LinkedIn. The friendship paradox, a term coined by sociologist Scott L. Feld in 1991, would suggest these fears are not without foundation. It’s down to sampling bias: You are more likely to be friends with someone who has more friends than you, simply because there is a greater This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Seven Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 42 The Language of Home How weird words forge new friendships. Arts & Culture Issue 36 Word: Frenemy Worst friends ever. Arts & Culture Issue 34 How to Rekindle a Friendship On inching closer when you’ve grown apart. Arts & Culture Issue 17 Lean on Me Respect, admiration and trust are qualities that we look for in compatriots. The spark arising when two people bond can be unexpected and exciting. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Dr. Woo Meet the tattoo artist who's inked LA.
Arts & Culture Issue 17 Lean on Me Respect, admiration and trust are qualities that we look for in compatriots. The spark arising when two people bond can be unexpected and exciting.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts.
