Modeling and controlling delayed rumor propagation with general incidence in heterogeneous networks

Abstract

To explore the rumor propagation dynamics in online social networks (OSNs) and propose the corresponding control strategies, a novel Ignorants-Spreaders-1-Spreaders-2-Removers (I2SR) rumor-spreading model with general incidence is first formulated in heterogeneous networks. This model covers the bilinear incidence and nonlinear incidence, and considers the time delay in the rumor-spreading process, which is universal and practical. We analytically derive the basic reproduction numbers, which determine the existence of rumor-spreading equilibria but also the global dynamics of the model. Moreover, the Lyapunov–LaSalle principle and the graph-theoretic approach prove the global asymptotic stability of the rumor-free/rumor-spreading equilibria in detail. Significantly, the effects of various strategies, including uniform control, targeted control, and acquaintance control, are implemented and compared. Finally, the developed theoretical results are tested via numerical simulations and a real case data of rumors, showing that the model can more accurately simulate rumor-spreading in OSNs.