Abstract
Understanding the complex process of information spread in online social networks (OSNs) enables the efficient maximization/minimization of the spread of useful/harmful information. Users assume various roles based on their behaviors while engaging with information in these OSNs. Recent reviews on information spread in OSNs have focused on algorithms and challenges for modeling the local node-to-node cascading paths of viral information. However, they neglected to analyze non-viral information with low reach size that can also spread globally beyond OSN edges (links) via non-neighbors through, for example, pushed information via content recommendation algorithms. Previous reviews have also not fully considered user roles in the spread of information. To address these gaps, we: (i) provide a comprehensive survey of the latest studies on role-aware information spread in OSNs, also addressing the different temporal spreading patterns of viral and non-viral information; (ii) survey modeling approaches that consider structural, non-structural, and hybrid features, and provide a taxonomy of these approaches; (iii) review software platforms for the analysis and visualization of role-aware information spread in OSNs; and (iv) describe how information spread models enable useful applications in OSNs such as detecting influential users. We conclude by highlighting future research directions for studying information spread in OSNs, accounting for dynamic user roles.
Highlights
Information spread is the process by which a piece of information reaches different individuals [1,2]
A systematic review of the literature about information spread in online social networks (OSNs) reveals the following limitations of existing models that call for future research
The spread of information in OSNs that leads to influence is discussed in detail with an emphasis on user roles, where we review approaches and models of information spread in OSNs, discuss their shortcomings, indicate open questions, and summarize them in a taxonomy (Figure 2)
Summary
Information spread is the process by which a piece of information reaches different individuals [1,2]. Neglecting to address global information spread beyond OSN edges (links) via non-neighbors through, for example, information pushed via content recommendation algorithms; Third, neglecting to address the spread of non-viral information with low reach size To address these gaps from previous review papers on information spread in OSNs, this review paper contributes by: (i) presenting a comprehensive survey of the latest studies on role-aware information spread in OSNs, including the different temporal spreading patterns of viral and non-viral information; (ii) surveying modeling approaches that consider structural, non-structural, and hybrid features, and providing a taxonomy of these approaches; (iii) surveying software platforms for the analysis and visualization of role-aware information spread in OSNs; and (iv) describing how information spread models facilitate useful applications in OSNs such as detecting influential users.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
