Opinion Dynamics Induced by Agents with Particular Goal

doi:10.1007/s11424-022-1092-x

The authors investigate the opinion dynamics in a setting where some special agents induce public opinions towards their desired direction, with Particular Goal (PG agents for short) to manipulate beliefs. Based on the bounded confidence model, the authors find PG agents can significantly improve the level of consensus. The authors also study how opinion pattern is influenced by varying the model in terms of changing the network structure, different parameters, and PG agents choosing strategy. The authors conduct the comparison of model results with empirical data from on line social networks. The authors hope the study may shade a light on public opinion control and regulation.

Key words: Collective pattern, complex networks, opinion formation, social influence

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