Coevolution of collective opinions and actions under two different control inputs

Abstract

This paper investigates a two-layer coevolution model of collective opinions and actions under two different control inputs. First, we introduce two control inputs, opinion regulator and impulsive stimulation, into this model. While changes in opinions tend to be gradual, changes in actions can instantly occur through external stimuli. These two inputs are control methods implemented on opinions and actions, respectively. Next, we conduct a series of investigations on how shifts of the collective opinions and actions are realized under the interventions brought by the control inputs. With only the opinion regulator, we explore conditions of the internal attributes of generic individuals. Assuming only the impulsive stimulation existed, we pay more attention to how to implement the intervention. These results provide valuable analytical references for guidance on public opinions and behaviors. Last, we show the validity of our theoretical results through numerical simulations.