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Studies Of Opinion Stability For Small Dynamic Networks With Opportunistic Agents

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  • PAWEL SOBKOWICZ

    (KEN 94/140, 02-777, Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

There are numerous examples of societies with extremely stable mix of contrasting opinions. We argue that this stability is a result of an interplay between society network topology adjustment and opinion changing processes. To support this position we present a computer model of opinion formation based on some novel assumptions, designed to bring the model closer to social reality. In our model, the agents, in addition to changing their opinions due to influence of the rest of society and external propaganda, have the ability to modify their social network, forming links with agents sharing the same opinions and cutting the links with those they disagree with. To improve the model further we divide the agents into "fanatics" and "opportunists," depending on how easy it is to change their opinions. The simulations show significant differences compared to traditional models, where network links are static. In particular, for the dynamical model where inter-agent links are adjustable, the final network structure and opinion distribution is shown to resemble real world observations, such as social structures and persistence of minority groups even when most of the society is against them and the propaganda is strong.

Suggested Citation

  • Pawel Sobkowicz, 2009. "Studies Of Opinion Stability For Small Dynamic Networks With Opportunistic Agents," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 20(10), pages 1645-1662.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijmpcx:v:20:y:2009:i:10:n:s0129183109014655
    DOI: 10.1142/S0129183109014655
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dorogovtsev, S.N. & Mendes, J.F.F., 2003. "Evolution of Networks: From Biological Nets to the Internet and WWW," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198515906.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kyle Bahr & Masami Nakagawa, 2017. "The effect of bidirectional opinion diffusion on social license to operate," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1235-1245, August.
    2. Pawel Sobkowicz, 2011. "Simulations of opinion changes in scientific communities," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 87(2), pages 233-250, May.

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