The embodiment of the invention discloses a method and a device for generating a social network. According to the embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: acquiring a resident geographic position in a to-be-divided user set when a user accesses a social contact platform; then selecting corresponding target users from the to-be-divided user set according to the resident geographic position, thereby acquiring a target user set; extracting a social relation between the users in the target user set; constructing a local social network according to the target user set and the social relation, wherein the local social network includes a network node representing the user; dividing the social network for the network node in the local social network, thereby acquiring the social network to which the user belongs. According to the scheme, the coverage area of the social network can be expanded, the data calculating amount can be reduced and the accuracy of the social network division can be promoted.