Cooperative and Competitive Dynamics Model for Information Propagation in Online Social Networks

Yaming Zhang,Chaosheng Tang,Li Weigang

doi:10.1155/2014/610382

Yaming Zhang, Chaosheng Tang + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/610382

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Abstract

Traditional empirical models of propagation consider individual contagion as an independent process, thus spreading in isolation manner. In this paper, we study how different contagions interact with each other as they spread through the network in order to propose an alternative dynamics model for information propagation. The proposed model is a novel combination of Lotka-Volterra cooperative model and competitive model. It is assumed that the interaction of one message on another is flexible instead of always negative. We prove that the impact of competition depends on the critical speed of the messages. By analyzing the differential equations, one or two stable equilibrium points can be found under certain conditions. Simulation results not only show the correctness of our theoretical analyses but also provide a more attractive conclusion. Different types of messages could coexist in the condition of high critical speed and intense competitive environment, or vice versa. The messages will benefit from the high critical speed when they are both competitive, and adopting a Tit-for-Tat strategy is necessary during the process of information propagation.

Highlights

With the rapid development of information technology and the widespread use of intelligent communication tools, we progress further into the age of information explosion and have been bombarded with massive amounts of data
We study how different contagions interact with each other as they spread through the network in order to propose an alternative dynamics model for information propagation
Because of the complexity of the system, online social networking (OSN) is generally characterized as being complex networks, in which individuals are represented by nodes, and information interactions between individuals are represented by links between nodes [3]

Summary

Introduction

With the rapid development of information technology and the widespread use of intelligent communication tools, we progress further into the age of information explosion and have been bombarded with massive amounts of data. The proposed model is based on the population dynamics models to describe the development tendency and interaction between two different types of information It provides a more realistic description of this process comparing with previous models by Lotka-Volterra and others. The analytic results with the real data collected from Sina Weibo indicate that the proposed model is effective for understanding and explaining some social phenomena presented in the process of online information spreading, especially the vital role of the cooperation and competition in the information propagation. According to the Lotka-Volterra models, the parameter σ21 represents both the cooperation (at low speed) and competition (at high speed) level of message 2 to message 1. Lotka-Volterra competitive system (15), an important conclusion is reached that the cooperation at low speed promotes the coexistence level of the two messages in co-opetition LotkaVolterra model. The cooperation in system (12) facilitates the coexistence of both the two messages

Model Analysis

Numerical Simulation

Conclusions