Modeling and Analyzing the Interaction between Network Rumors and Authoritative Information

Lingling Xia,Bo Song,Guoping Jiang,Yurong Song

doi:10.3390/e17010471

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage rumor spreading Susceptible-Infected-Authoritative-Removed (SIAR) model for complex homogeneous and heterogeneous networks. The interaction Markov chains (IMC) mean-field equations based on the SIAR model are derived to describe the dynamic interaction between the rumors and authoritative information. We use a Monte Carlo simulation method to characterize the dynamics of the Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) and SIAR models, showing that the SIAR model with consideration of authoritative information gives a more realistic description of propagation features of rumors than the SIR model. The simulation results demonstrate that the critical threshold λc of the SIAR model has the tiniest increase than the threshold of SIR model. The sooner the authoritative information is introduced, the less negative impact the rumors will bring. We also get the result that heterogeneous networks are more prone to the spreading of rumors. Additionally, the inhibition of rumor spreading, as one of the characteristics of the new SIAR model itself, is instructive for later studies on the rumor spreading models and the controlling strategies.

Highlights

Rumors, in itself neither true nor false, have great impact on society and people’s life
In order to provide a relatively realistic description of the interaction between rumors and authoritative information, we introduce a new SIAR model of rumor-spreading on complex networks considering the hysteresis phenomenon of authoritative information which lags behind the rumor
The spreading critical threshold λc of the SIAR model on both WS network and BA network is independent of lag time τ

Summary

Introduction

In itself neither true nor false, have great impact on society and people’s life. In the real world, there are many coexisting information dissemination phenomena, such as the contagion of two contrary computer viruses in the same computer network, the diffusion of many different infectious diseases among people, and the propagation of two different rumors in the same social network. The authoritative organizations or media often clarify the fact and release the authoritative information to confirm or refute the content of network rumors. In order to provide a relatively realistic description of the interaction between rumors and authoritative information, we introduce a new SIAR model of rumor-spreading on complex networks considering the hysteresis phenomenon of authoritative information which lags behind the rumor. We should analyze in depth the dynamic interaction process of network rumors and authoritative information, and understand the characteristics of rumor diffusion, which has an important scientific significance and application value.

SIAR Rumor-Spreading Model

Simulation Results

Conclusions