Opinion Dynamics with Differentiated Messaging

Andrew Harkins
Additional contact information
Andrew Harkins: University of Warwick

The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) from University of Warwick, Department of Economics

Abstract: This paper develops a model of opinion dynamics in networks where message content can be differentiated by target. In contrast to previous approaches, this model studies the evolution of message content on the edges of the graph, rather than focusing on how beliefs evolve at nodes. This framework is then used to explore how opinion conformity, the act of tailoring one’s stated opinion to the recipient, can impact convergence speed and polarization. Pairwise opinion conformity slows convergence to consensus, whereas anticonformity can lead to faster asymptotic convergence. It is also shown that group conformity can lead to persistent disagreement, even in a connected graph, providing a new perspective on the causes of opinion polarization within social networks.

Keywords: Opinion dynamics; social networks; conformity; polarization; social learning JEL codes: D85; D83 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/w ... erp_1637-harkins.pdf

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wrk:warwec:1637

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) from University of Warwick, Department of Economics Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sheila Kiggins ().