dominantthrough

Dominantthrough is a neologism used to describe a mechanism by which influence or control becomes dominant in a system through indirect channels rather than direct pressure. The term blends the idea of dominance with propagation through intermediaries, emphasizing the path by which outcomes are shaped rather than who exerts power at the outset. It is not tied to a single discipline and is used in theoretical discussions as a way to capture indirect influence.

In network science and organizational theory, dominantthrough refers to patterns where a core actor builds authority by shaping the behavior of intermediary agents who then influence others, creating a cascade that solidifies a dominant outcome. In psychology or cognitive science, it can describe a mental model or heuristic that spreads through a person’s cognitive network, guiding judgments via interconnected associations. In information diffusion, the concept characterizes how a message or trend gains predominance not through the initial spreader alone but through the structure of the network and the pathways that amplify its reach.

History and usage: the term appears in late-2010s and early-2020s online discourse, with sporadic scholarly citations. It has gained niche traction in discussions about influence propagation, though its scope and precise definition remain debated. Critics note that dominantthrough overlaps with established concepts such as contagion, diffusion, and indirect influence.

See also:

- influence propagation

- social networks

- information diffusion

- contagion

- leadership

- indirect influence