Dynamics of Behavior Spreading Driven by Opinion Evolution: Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

People's opinion and behavior can influence each other and spread on social network through communication and sharing. In this paper, based on the consistency principle of attitude and behavior, we propose a discrete-time dynamical model of behavior spreading, which the individual's attitude towards a behavior is described by a variable called an opinion value. One’s behavior can be changed by the mutual influence and updated evolution of opinion value. We simulate the process of opinion evolution and behavior spreading on a real social network. The simulations suggest that the higher recognition of network group on the behavior, and the stronger individual’s ability on accepting them, the more widely the behaviors spread. Furthermore, the social resilience can inhibit behavior spread to some extent.