Matthew Effect
The Matthew Effect operates through social proof - humans disproportionately choose what others have already validated.
The rich get richer applies across domains where attention and reputation are scarce resources allocated preferentially.
Named by sociologist Robert Merton after the biblical passage 'to those who have, more will be given.' In science, highly cited papers gain more citations because visibility breeds more visibility. Early success compounds through attention allocation mechanisms.
Business Application of Matthew Effect
The Matthew Effect operates through social proof - humans disproportionately choose what others have already validated. Products with many reviews gain disproportionate purchases; scientists cite already-cited papers; journalists write about already-newsworthy companies. This creates self-reinforcing reputation cascades.