Peer influence in social network: a review of identification, modeling and application

Peer influence drives behavior diffusion and group decision-making within social networks, and affects education, organizations, and markets. Despite its importance, research on peer influence remains fragmented, lacking systematic integration across identification, modeling, and application. To address this, this review proposes a multilayered analytical framework that highlights the dynamic connections between these areas and facilitates effective interventions. First, the studies on how to distinguish homophily from genuine peer influence are classified according to identification tools. Second, based on the dynamic and static nature of the modeling process, various methods to capture peer interaction are discussed. Third, this review focuses on the informational influence conveyed through peer interactions and analyzes its role in shaping individuals’ cognitive structures and influencing their behavioral decisions. Finally, based on the above, this review evaluates the limitations of existing studies, and identifies potential challenges in future research involving data, methodology, and ethics. Several interdisciplinary strategies are provided to address the above challenges. It offers the insights for related studies and provides guidance for designing interventions to improve organizational and societal outcomes.