The Power of Your Surroundings: Influence Beyond the Five People You Know

The Power of Your Surroundings: Influence Beyond the Five People You Know

We've all heard the saying that you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with. But what if it goes beyond that? What if it's not just the five people, but everyone who surrounds you that shapes who you are? According to research, that seems to be the case.

Influence is not limited to a small circle of friends or acquaintances. It extends far beyond that, including people you haven't even met yet. So, it's crucial to take a look around and ensure that you are in the right surroundings, because the people you interact with can have a significant impact on your life.

For example, studies have shown that if a friend of yours becomes obese, you are 45 percent more likely than chance to gain weight over the next two to four years. This finding highlights the ripple effect of our social connections and how they can shape our behaviors and habits.

Similarly, if your friend smokes, you are 61 percent more likely to be a smoker yourself. But here's the surprising part: even if a friend of your friend smokes, you are still 29 percent more likely to smoke. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of our social networks and how influence can spread through multiple degrees of separation.

Now, let's shift gears and talk about Glasp, a social highliner that offers a unique way to interact with online content. With Glasp, you can highlight any page exactly as it appears on your browser, and it is instantly added to your list. You can then return to it later, add tags, and even see if anyone else has read it.

What sets Glasp apart is its social networking capabilities. You can follow other people and see what they highlight, find niches of interest similar to yours, and engage in various levels of interaction. It creates a sense of community and allows for meaningful discussions around shared interests.

However, one area where Glasp could improve is language filtering. It would be beneficial for non-native English speakers to have an option to easily filter content in their preferred language. This addition would enhance the user experience and make the platform more accessible to a global audience.

The attention to detail and user experience on Glasp is commendable. It harkens back to the early days of the web when it was a simple and fun platform for enthusiasts to connect, discuss, and share. Glasp captures that spirit and creates a space where users can engage with content in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Additionally, Glasp offers a unique feature that provides a "map" of your interests based on the pages you save. This feature allows you to visualize your areas of focus and gain insights into your own reading habits. It's a valuable tool for personal growth and expanding your knowledge in specific areas.

So, how can we apply these insights to our own lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Evaluate your surroundings: Take a moment to reflect on the people you interact with regularly. Are they positive influences? Do they align with your values and goals? Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and motivate you to be the best version of yourself.

• 2. Expand your network: Don't limit yourself to a small circle of friends. Seek out new connections and diverse perspectives. Engage with communities and platforms like Glasp that foster meaningful interactions and allow you to discover like-minded individuals.

• 3. Be intentional with your online interactions: Use platforms like Glasp to curate your online experience. Highlight and save content that resonates with you, and engage in discussions with others who share your interests. Make the most of the digital landscape to cultivate a positive and enriching online environment.

In conclusion, the influence of our surroundings extends far beyond the five people we know. We are the average of all the people who surround us, both in-person and online. By being mindful of our connections, seeking out diverse perspectives, and engaging with platforms like Glasp, we can shape our environment and create a positive and impactful life. So, take a moment to evaluate your surroundings and make sure you're surrounded by the right people.