Abstract
To better control the scope of information propagation and understand its dynamic characteristics, we propose an information propagation model based on evolutionary game theory. The model can simulate an individual’s strategy selection in social networks when facing two pieces of competitive information, whereby “competitive information” is defined as two pieces of information which have the opposite meaning. First, a reasonable payoff function is designed for individuals based on pairwise interaction. Second, each individual selects a friend it trusts. Third, a probability value is used to indicate whether an individual imitates the strategy of the selected friend. In the model, we consider not only the heterogeneous influence of friends’ strategies on individual decision‐making in the process of communication but also the attenuation of individuals’ attention to information when information about friends is received repeatedly. The simulation results show that our model can accurately simulate the propagation of two pieces of competitive information. Furthermore, we find that the basic payoff that accrues to individuals as a result of spreading their information and the network topology are two factors that significantly influence the propagation result. The results provide effective insights into how to better control and guide public opinion.
Highlights
In recent years, face-to-face conversation has gradually been replaced by online communication using online social software such as Facebook, WeChat, Twitter, and so on. e timeliness and convenience of online social software has enabled the propagation of information at an unprecedented speed [1]. e wide use of social software virtually speeds up the formation of public opinion
We adopt evolutionary game theory to analyze the propagation of two pieces of competitive information throughout a social network
By using the payoff matrix to abstract the individuals’ decision process, we propose a propagation model for the two pieces of competitive information
Summary
Face-to-face conversation has gradually been replaced by online communication using online social software such as Facebook, WeChat, Twitter, and so on. e timeliness and convenience of online social software has enabled the propagation of information at an unprecedented speed [1]. e wide use of social software virtually speeds up the formation of public opinion. In a game theory approach, each node has to select a strategy at a given step, whereby “strategy selection” means that the individual chooses whether to spread the information. A propagation model that analyzes two pieces of competitive information is proposed based on evolutionary game theory. In the specific context of information propagation in social networks, an individual’s attention to the information that the selected friend believes has a significant effect on whether it chooses to update their current strategy. The propagation model for two pieces of competitive information using evolutionary game theory is presented. The propagation of two pieces of competitive information is analyzed based on evolutionary game theory in this paper. Parameter α1 represents the bonus attained by an individual who believes one piece of information at the time when their friend chooses the same strategy. Parameter α2 denotes the punishment that accrues to an individual who
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