The project Cascades and Avalanches in Twitter Communication Networks focuses on the structure and content of communication networks on Twitter, with the aim of identifying mechanisms that lead to sudden information cascades and social avalanches (hypes). We approach hypes as mass synchronization of attention, for example, when specific topics (as identified by shared hashtags) hype on Twitter. In particular, we will test models of preference synchronization in social networks with Twitter data. We will observe the dynamics of the changing communication networks via cooccurring hashtags, targeted users and changing content on Twitter. Read more…