Inferring social networks from physical interactions: a feasibility study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a prototype system that can be used to capture longitudinal socialising processes by recording people’s encounters in space. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the results of a longitudinal study, carried out with members of the public, which demonstrates the capabilities of the system. Findings – The findings show that community structure can be inferred from physical interactions, and that different locations exhibit varying community structures. Originality/value – The paper argues that such a system can usefully be deployed in environments where people interact and socialise, as a mechanism for inferring the underlying network structure of those people’s relationships.