Social physics

Recent decades have seen a rise in the use of physics methods to study different societal phenomena. This development has been due physicists venturing outside their traditional domains interest, but also scientists from other disciplines taking that proven so successful throughout 19th and 20th century. Here we dub this field 'social physics' pay our respect intellectual mavericks who nurtured it maturity. We do by reviewing current state art. Starting with set topics are at heart modern human societies, review research dedicated urban traffic, functioning financial markets, cooperation as basis for evolutionary success, structure social networks, integration intelligent machines into these networks. then shift attention explore potential threats society. These include criminal behaviour, large-scale migrations, epidemics, environmental challenges, climate change. end coverage each topic promising directions future research. Based on this, conclude is bright. Physicists studying phenomena no longer curiosity, rather force be reckoned with. Notwithstanding, remains utmost importance continue foster constructive dialogue mutual interfaces scientific disciplines.