Multi-Equilibria Regulation Agent-Based Model of Opinion Dynamics in Social Networks

Andreas Koulouris, Ioannis Katerelos and Theodore Tsekeris
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Andreas Koulouris: Department of Psychology, Panteion University
Ioannis Katerelos: Department of Psychology, Panteion University

Interdisciplinary Description of Complex Systems - scientific journal, 2013, vol. 11, issue 1, 51-70

Abstract: This article investigates the Multiple Equilibria Regulation (MER) model, i.e., an agent-based simulation model, to represent opinion dynamics in social networks. It relies on a small set of micro-prerequisites (intra-individual balance and confidence bound), leading to emergence of (non)stationary macro-outcomes. These outcomes may refer to consensus, polarization or fragmentation of opinions about taxation (e.g., congestion pricing) or other policy measures, according to the way communication is structured. In contrast with other models of opinion dynamics, it allows for the impact of both the regulation of intra-personal discrepancy and the interpersonal variability of opinions on social learning and network dynamics. Several simulation experiments are presented to demonstrate, through the MER model, the role of different network structures (complete, star, cellular automata, small-world and random graphs) on opinion formation dynamics and the overall evolution of the system. The findings can help to identify specific topological characteristics, such as density, number of neighbourhoods and critical nodes-agents, that affect the stability and system dynamics. This knowledge can be used to better organize the information diffusion and learning in the community, enhance the predictability of outcomes and manage possible conflicts. It is shown that a small-world organization, which depicts more realistic aspects of real-life and virtual social systems, provides increased predictability and stability towards a less fragmented and more manageable grouping of opinions, compared to random networks. Such macro-level organizations may be enhanced with use of web-based technologies to increase the density of communication and public acceptability of policy measures.

Keywords: agent-based models; social networks; opinion dynamics; communication topology; unpredictability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C63 D72 D74 D78 D83 D85 H30 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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