Homophily and spread of misinformation in random networks

Qiang Gong () and Huanxing Yang ()
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Qiang Gong: Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
Huanxing Yang: Ohio State University

Economic Theory, 2025, vol. 79, issue 4, No 7, 1349 pages

Abstract: Abstract We adopt the framework of multi-type random networks, with type-specific linking probabilities, to study the spread of misinformation. A novel feature is that we distinguish the reach and influence of misinformation. The eventual outcome of misinformation spread is closely related to the size and type composition of the giant component of the network. We show that homophily always increases the probability that misinformation goes viral and its reach. However, the influence of misinformation (affecting people’s beliefs or voting behavior) is non-monotonic in homophily: it increases with homophily when there is little homophily, but the result is reversed when the degree of homophily is already high. We also study the impacts of increasing political polarization and the ideology bias of misinformation.

Keywords: Social networks; Multi-type random networks; Homophily; Misinformation; Giant component; Political polarization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D83 D85 L82 P16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s00199-024-01619-z

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