PHASE TRANSITIONS IN A SOCIAL IMPACT MODEL FOR OPINION FORMATION

Clelia M. Bordogna () and Ezequiel V. Albano ()
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Clelia M. Bordogna: Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoqímicas Teóricas y Aplicatas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP. Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, (1900) La Plata, Argentina
Ezequiel V. Albano: Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoqímicas Teóricas y Aplicatas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP. Sucursal 4, Casilla de Correo 16, (1900) La Plata, Argentina

International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), 2006, vol. 17, issue 03, 409-418

Abstract: A model for opinion formation in a social group, based on the Theory of Social Impact developed by Latané, is studied by means of numerical simulations. Interactions among the members of the group, as well as with a strong leader competing with the mass media, are considered. The model exhibits first-order transitions between two different states of opinion, which are supported by the leader and the mass media, respectively. The social inertia of the group becomes evident when the opinion of the leader changes periodically. In this case two dynamic states are identified: for long periods of time, the group follows the changes of the leader but, decreasing the period, the opinion of the group remains unchanged. This scenery is suitable for the ocurrence of dynamic phase transitions.

Keywords: Social Physics; models for opinion formation; phase transitions; leaders and social groups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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DOI: 10.1142/S0129183106008479

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