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Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks

Author

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  • Luca P. Merlino

    (University of Antwerp and ECARES, Université libre de Bruxelles)

  • Nicole Tabasso

    (Department of Economics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; University of Surrey, School of Economics)

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 P. Merlino & Nicole Tabasso, 2022. "Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks," Working Papers 2022: 19, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    • Handle: RePEc:ven:wpaper:2022:19
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Michael Kremer, 1996. "Integrating Behavioral Choice into Epidemiological Models of the AIDS Epidemic," NBER Working Papers 5428, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Networks; Rumors; Scrutiny;
    All these keywords.

    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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