Extremism definitions in opinion dynamics models

Abstract

There are several opinion dynamics models where extremism is defined as part of their characteristics. However, the way extremism is implemented in each model does not correspond to equivalent definitions. While some models focus on one aspect of the problem, others focus on different characteristics. This paper shows how each model only captures part of the problem and how Bayesian inspired opinion models can help put those differences in perspective. That discussion suggests new ways to introduce variables that can represent the problem of extremism better than we do today.