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Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks

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  • Luca Paolo Merlino
  • Nicole Tabasso

Abstract

We study the diffusion of a true and a false message when agents are (i) biased towards one of the messages and (ii) agents are able to inspect messages for veracity. Inspection of messages implies that a higher rumor prevalence may increase the prevalence of the truth. We employ this result to discuss how a planner may optimally choose information inspection rates of the population. We find that a planner who aims to maximize the prevalence of the truth may find it optimal to allow rumors to circulate.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Paolo Merlino & Nicole Tabasso, 2022. "Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks," Papers 2207.01830, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2207.01830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michael Kremer, 1996. "Integrating Behavioral Choice into Epidemiological Models of AIDS," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 111(2), pages 549-573.
    2. Michael Kremer, 1996. "Integrating Behavioral Choice into Epidemiological Models of the AIDS Epidemic," NBER Working Papers 5428, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Akbarpour, Mohammad & Malladi, Suraj & Saberi, Amin, 2018. "Just a Few Seeds More: Value of Network Information for Diffusion," Research Papers 3678, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    4. Talamàs, Eduard & Vohra, Rakesh, 2020. "Free and perfectly safe but only partially effective vaccines can harm everyone," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 277-289.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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