Social networks is a research field, academic concept, and methodological approach dedicated to studying the structure and dynamics of relationships and interactions between entities, typically individuals, groups, or organizations. It investigates the patterns of connections (ties) that link these entities (nodes), analyzing their properties, formation, evolution, and their impact on phenomena such as information diffusion, collective action, social influence, and inequality. Key characteristics include the representation of relationships as graphs, the focus on relational data rather than just attributes of individual entities, and the use of quantitative and computational methods to uncover structural properties and their consequences. Its significance lies in providing a framework for understanding how structure shapes behavior and outcomes within complex systems.