Rediscovering the Social Graph: Why Tacit Knowledge Matters

Rediscovering the Social Graph: Why Tacit Knowledge Matters

In the ever-evolving landscape of the internet, few companies have had the impact and influence of Facebook. It revolutionized the way we connect and interact with others, introducing a whole new level of complexity to our social lives. Suddenly, we had multiple ways to engage with our connections – from posting on our profiles to sharing pictures, commenting, and liking. This newfound complexity, while initially exciting, has also had its downsides.

One consequence of these changes is the dilution of the social graph. The social graph, which represents our network of connections, has become fragmented as we navigate the various modes of communication on Facebook. We find ourselves broadcasting our thoughts and experiences to a wider audience, rather than sharing them exclusively with our close friends. This shift has created a gap in the market for a new wave of platforms that focus on sharing photos and experiences exclusively with our real friends.

But while the social graph may have become diluted, the importance of tacit knowledge has only grown. Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that cannot be fully captured through words alone. It is the kind of knowledge that is gained through emulation, action, and experience. Think of the embodied feelings necessary to successfully ride a bicycle – you don't learn it by reading a manual, but by actually getting on the bike and trying it yourself.

Tacit knowledge is often passed down through imitation, emulation, and apprenticeship. It is a form of learning that involves copying what the master does until you internalize the principles behind their actions. This type of knowledge is difficult to explain through words alone, and attempting to do so often leads to a long list of caveats. It is the kind of knowledge that can only be acquired through direct experience and observation.

In the past, there was a trend towards attempting to codify tacit knowledge into explicit rules and procedures. The idea was that by creating expert systems, we could transfer knowledge from human experts to novices more efficiently. However, this approach proved to be limited in its effectiveness. It became clear that blindly following a set of procedures denies individuals the opportunity to develop true expertise and hampers their ability to engage in creative problem-solving.

So, instead of trying to make tacit knowledge explicit, we should focus on finding ways to gain that knowledge directly. This means seeking out mentors, masters in their field, and learning from them through emulation, feedback, and osmosis. Just as Warren Buffett spent years working under Benjamin Graham to learn the ropes of investing, we too can benefit from this approach. Deliberate practice, on the other hand, is only effective in domains with a long history of established pedagogy, such as music, math, and chess.

The field of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) is an area of research that focuses on making the acquisition of tacit knowledge more effective. It explores ways to enhance our ability to learn through emulation and observation, rather than relying solely on explicit instruction. NDM methods hold great potential for unlocking the secrets of expertise and should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, as the social graph continues to evolve and platforms emerge to cater to specific needs, it is crucial to recognize the value of tacit knowledge. While the dilution of the social graph may present challenges, it also opens up opportunities for new platforms that prioritize sharing with real friends. In our pursuit of knowledge and expertise, we should embrace the power of emulation, observation, and direct experience. By seeking out mentors and masters, we can tap into the wealth of tacit knowledge they possess. So, let us rediscover the social graph and harness the power of tacit knowledge to enrich our lives and unlock our true potential.

Actionable advice:

1. Seek out mentors and masters in your field of interest. Learn from their experiences and observations to gain valuable tacit knowledge.
2. Embrace emulation and direct experience as a means of learning. Don't rely solely on explicit instruction or procedural knowledge.
3. Stay informed about developments in Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) methods. These approaches focus on enhancing our ability to acquire tacit knowledge and can offer valuable insights for expertise development.