A model simulation of political segmentation through an estimation of the entropy

Abstract

The interconnectivity of a global communication system has allowed exchanges of ideas and expression producing a plethora of positive results. There have also been notable exceptions where clashes of ideas produce friction between people and even violence in the effort to dominate a political discourse. Various models have been proposed on how these ideas arise, grow and interact with each other. This paper explores how the Schelling model of segregation can be modified to represent ideological states and from this new formulation is proposed to assess the entropic trajectory of its simulation. The simple yet expressive model proposed is modified where simulations are monitored from the entropic measures of the system based upon ideological interactions and movements. A key result is that the entropy displays spikes due to randomized outside influences, and that the total entropy of the system decreases. This provides insight into how a system of politically engaged agents can be monitored for stability.