social · statistics
Matthew effect
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Small early advantages tend to grow. Those who already have more receive still more, widening the gap over time.
Two people start almost equal. Watch what happens when success increases the chance of further success.
When each new coin is more likely to land on the stack that is already taller, an early lead compounds.
Even a tiny difference at the start can become a large difference later.
The Matthew effect is this rich-get-richer dynamic.
Equal totals at the beginning do not stay equal once advantage multiplies advantage.