Studying Simulated Mobs Using Monte Carlo Method and the Theory of Collective Action

Abstract

A mob is an event that is organized via social media, email, SMS, or other forms of digital communication technologies in which a group of people (who might have an agenda) get together online or offline to collectively conduct an act and then disperse (quickly or over a long period). These events are increasingly happening around the world in recent years due to the anonymity of the internet, affordability of social media, boredom, etc. Studying such a phenomenon is not an easy task due to a lack of data, theoretical underpinning, and resources. In this research, we use Monte Carlo Experiments and our previous research on Deviant Cyber Flash Mobs that leveraged the theory of Collective Action to implement a model that can simulate a mob, estimate its success rate, and the needed powerful actors (e.g., mob organizers) to succeed. This research is one step toward fully understanding mob formation and the motivations of its participants and organizers.