I give you a simple definition: maximize diversity (differentiation) and integration. They are opposites, to a degree - so there is a tradeoff and maximum at the middle in both diversity and integration. This idea comes from the Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness (Giulio Tononi, Christoph Koch).

In a neural net we do just that - maximize diversity by splitting the signal over many neurons, each with different weights, computing different things. Integration is maximized by the mixing together of signals from other neurons and training them together with a common loss function.

Even the internet as a medium requires diversity and integration to be successful. For example, net neutrality is related to diversity. Integration is related to national firewalls, copyright barriers, filter bubbling effect (where one sees only content from parts of the internet they agree with), walled gardens (like the app stores), and other things that cut the connection between people.

You can apply diversity and integration to other fields as well, for example, in politics/governance. We can compare a federal system (more diversity) with a centrally planned system (less diversity) and see the effects. With integration - we can compare free trade with regulated trade. The same principles apply to free speech - where diversity and integration are basically promised by the constitution.