RiskGrowth

Network Effect Dependency

Story type: Vulnerability

Platform value depends on network scale. User growth and engagement drive the value proposition for all participants.

State

Network effect dependency

Emergence

The competitive structure shows elevated network effect dependency. When network scale drives value while user growth is essential to the model and engagement concentration exists, the platform's value proposition depends on maintaining and growing network participation.

Limits

This story describes structural exposure, not network decline prediction. It does not predict user attrition, engagement drops, or competitive displacement. Network effects often strengthen over time as platforms scale.

Explanation

This vulnerability describes a structural exposure: Network Scale Indicator shows how platform value relates to size. User Growth Dependency indicates reliance on continued participant expansion. Engagement Concentration shows activity patterns within the network. When network effect dependency is elevated, the platform's value derives from its scale. More users make the platform more valuable to each user. This creates powerful moats but also sensitivity to participation trends.

Interpretation

This story identifies network dependency, not decline prediction. It does not claim networks will shrink or that users will leave. Strong network effects often compound, making platforms more valuable over time.