Introducing a more realistic model for opinion formation considering instability in social structure

Sajjad Salehi () and Fattaneh Taghiyareh ()
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Sajjad Salehi: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tehran, Room 235, Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Fattaneh Taghiyareh: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tehran, Room 230, Tehran, Tehran, Iran

International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), 2016, vol. 27, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: Opinion formation is a process through which interactions of individuals and dynamism of their opinions in effect of neighbors are modeled. In this paper, in an effort to model the opinion formation more realistically, we have introduced a model that considers the role of network structure in opinion dynamics. In this model, each individual changes his opinion in a way so as to decrease its difference with the opinion of trusted neighbors while he intensifies his dissention with the untrusted ones. Considering trust/distrust relations as a signed network, we have defined a structural indicator which shows the degree of instability in social structure and is calculated based on the structural balance theory. It is also applied as feedback to the opinion formation process affecting its dynamics. Our simulation results show formation of a set of clusters containing individuals holding opinions having similar values. Also, the opinion value of each individual is far from the ones of distrusted neighbors. Since this model considers distrust and instability of relations in society, it can offer a more realistic model of opinion formation.

Keywords: Opinion formation; structural balance; social networks; distrust (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1142/S0129183116501369

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