Rumor-Propagation Model with Consideration of Refutation Mechanism in Homogeneous Social Networks

Laijun Zhao,Jiajia Wang,Xiaoli Wang,Xiaoyan Qiu,Wanlin Xie

doi:10.1155/2014/659273

Abstract

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to how to effectively manage rumor propagation. Based on previous studies of rumor propagation and some strategies used by the authorities to refute rumors and manage rumor propagation, we develop a new rumor-propagation model with consideration of refutation mechanism. In this paper, we describe the dynamic process of rumor propagation by accounting for the refutation mechanism in homogeneous social networks. And then, we derive mean-field equations for rumor-propagation process. We then analyze the stability of the model with respect to changes in parameter values. Our results show that there exists a critical thresholdλcthat is inversely proportional to the average degree of the social networks and is positively correlated with the strength of the refutation mechanism. If the spreading rate is bigger than the critical thresholdλc, rumors can be spread. Our numerical simulations in homogeneous networks demonstrate that increasing the ignorant’s refutation rateβcan reduce the peak value of spreaders density, which is better than increasing the spreader’s refutation rateη. Therefore, based on the seriousness of the rumor propagation and the rumor-propagation rate, the authorities can choose effective strategies that increase the refutation rate so that they can reduce the maximum influence of the rumor.

Highlights

The propagation of rumors is a typical form of social interaction that exerts a powerful influence on human affairs [1,2,3]
Based on previous studies of rumor propagation and some strategies used by the authorities to refute rumors and manage rumor propagation, we develop a new rumor-propagation model with consideration of refutation mechanism
We describe the dynamic process of rumor propagation by accounting for the refutation mechanism in homogeneous social networks

Summary

Introduction

The propagation of rumors is a typical form of social interaction that exerts a powerful influence on human affairs [1,2,3]. Sudbury [11] studied the dynamic mechanisms of information transmission in social networks and proposed that the behavior of rumor propagation could be described by what they called the “SIR” model. In this model, a closed and homogeneous population is divided into three groups: Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society ignorants (I, who have not yet heard of the rumor), spreaders (S, who spread the rumor), and stiflers (R, who have heard the rumor but have ceased to spread it).

An SIR Rumor-Propagation Model That Incorporates a Refutation Mechanism

Steady-State Analysis

Numerical Solution

Conclusions