A1145
Title: Stochastic process of opinion spreading in social networks
Authors: Igor Kanovsky - The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College (Israel) [presenting]
Abstract: In social networks, different types of information spread through different mechanisms. This diversity may stem from how people respond to repeated exposure to various information types. A new model is proposed that highlights the distinction between information and opinion spreading. While repeated exposure to the same information has a limited impact, exposure to two opinionated peers significantly increases the probability of adopting that opinion, which is a phenomenon termed the "0-1-2 effect." In each time step, if an individual lacks an opinion, two neighbors are randomly selected. If one holds an opinion, adoption occurs with low probability; if both do, the probability is much higher. Simulations were conducted on real-world and random scale-free networks. Results show that small-world structures greatly influence the tipping point. The "0-1-2 effect" also affects individuals' ability to initiate widespread opinion change. Influence is strongly linked to an individual's topological position in the network.
