I can recall an article I read a few months ago, where a couple of researchers took data from an instant messaging service and found that there was, on average,

I can recall an article I read a few months ago, where a couple of researchers took data from an instant messaging service and found that there was, on average, a ~6.6 degree separation between parties. Just found it. Here you go: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7539329.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7539329.stm