Bee at Backreaction points to a use for graph theory
The topology of the High School Romance/Sexual network is interesting.
I'm a little bit surprised by the structure, and assume that the disconnected branches are real, and not illustrating sub-structure of the main graph.
I would have expected more tree like connection between the main side branches, not a ring topology.
I also assume the left out the isolated points and points that connect only to other networks...
BUT, there is at least one flaw - if the structure is romance, rather than physical sexual connection, then the graphs ought to be directional.
I suspect that an honest romance network with uni and bidirectional graphs would look quite different.
I suspect Bee is also correct in inferring dishonest reporting based on the sparseness of the homosexual links.
Of course it gets better when you go to College
Things get complicated as guys tend to overreport and girls tend to underreport. Apparently some guys can convince themselves they made it with a girl, instead of only wished they had, and some girls can convince themselves some couplings never happened.