A social computing approach to rumour spreading with consideration of illusory truth effect and the latency reverse phenomenon

Abstract

Illusory truth effect impacts the process of rumour spreading on the internet. A cell automata model with consideration of illusory truth effect and the social computing approach is presented in this paper. Firstly, the formal description of illusory truth effect is given; illusory truth effect factor is used to describe the intension of it. Then, we extend the classic SIR model and build the cell automata model. Comparative study with the real data has proved the validity of this model. Our results show that the illusory truth effect factor has significantly impact on the rumour spreading process, the latency reverse phenomenon and spread avalanche phenomenon is observed in the rumour spreading process, which enhance the range and intension of the rumour spreading. Using the latency reverse phenomenon, the avalanche spread of rumour can be predicted so that we can intervene in time. The results are meaningful to the theory and practice of rumour spreading management.