Breaking the Homophily Wall: Multicultural Experiences Reduce Nationality Homophily in Global Networks

Nationality homophily, the tendency for individuals to form connections with others of the same nationality, is a well-documented phenomenon influencing both personal and professional networks. However, its prevalence has led to limited exploration of the heterogeneity in this effect. Addressing this gap, this study investigates the impact of multicultural experiences on reducing nationality homophily within social networks formed during global interactions. Using data from an international hackathon event with 876 participants from 117 countries, we analyze how experiences of living abroad and domestic population diversity influence the extent of nationality homophily. Employing Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGM) and Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedures (MRQAP), our findings reveal that individuals with extensive multicultural experiences exhibit significantly lower levels of nationality homophily. This study contributes to the literature by enhancing understanding of individual differences in homophily and offering practical implications for organizations seeking to foster diverse social networks.