BibTeX
@MISC{Tsang_opiniondynamics,
author = {Alan Tsang and Kate Larson},
title = {Opinion Dynamics of Skeptical Agents},
year = {}
}
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Abstract
How does skepticism affect opinion formation in networks? In many settings, agents exhibit skepticism in the presence of people whose beliefs radically different from their own, and they are reluctant to be persuaded by such individuals. We present a model of opinion dynamics where agents are receptive toward other agents that have similar opinions, but remain skeptical of agents holding disparate opinions. We analyze how agents with extreme opinions affect the general population, using simulations on Barabási-Albert random graphs, and modified Erdös-Rényi random graphs that in-corporate homophily. Finally, we show that even skeptical agents are able to come to an early consensus and take co-ordinated action to reach a final opinion in most settings; but, agents in homophilic networks may fail to converge to a single opinion. Paradoxically, this happens when agents are least skeptical, and are able to stabilize themselves by balancing influence from extremists from opposing camps. Categories and Subject Descriptors
Keyphrases
skeptical agent opinion dynamic disparate opinion homophilic network many setting erdo s-re nyi random graph single opinion general population affect opinion formation subject descriptor similar opinion early consensus baraba si-albert random graph extreme opinion co-ordinated action final opinion
