The Physics of
Social Gravity

1. Social Entropy

In physics, entropy describes the natural tendency of any system to move towards disorder. Without energy input, structures decay. The same law applies to human relationships.

A connection left unattended doesn't just stay static; it degrades. The "half-life" of a friendship varies, but the trajectory is always the same: without interaction (energy), the bond weakens until the gravitational pull is lost entirely, and the contact drifts into the void.

2. The Dunbar Limit

British anthropologist Robin Dunbar famously proposed that humans can comfortably maintain only about 150 stable relationships. Beyond this number, our cognitive hardware fails to track the complex web of social obligations and histories.

In the digital age, our contact lists often exceed 1,000+ people (LinkedIn, Instagram, Phone nuances). This mismatch between our biological hard cap (150) and our digital reality (1000+) creates anxiety and social paralysis.

3. The Orbital Model

Social Orbit proposes a new mental model: Relational Gravity. Instead of a flat list A-Z, we visualize relationships as bodies in orbit around you (the sun).

• Inner OrbitHigh gravity. Family & Best Friends. Require frequent energy (weekly/daily) to maintain stable orbit.
• Mid OrbitMedium gravity. Friends & Close Colleagues. Monthly check-ins sustain these bonds.
• Outer OrbitLow gravity. Network & Acquaintances. Quarterly or annual signals are sufficient to prevent drift.

By applying physics to our social lives, we stop feeling guilty about "ignoring" everyone and start prioritizing the energy required to keep our specific solar system in balance.