Public Opinion Formation Model Based On Opinion Entropy

In this paper, we introduce the concept of opinion entropy based on Shannon entropy, which is used to describe the uncertainty of opinions. With opinion entropy, we further present a public opinion formation model, and simulate the process of public opinion formation under various controlled conditions. Simulation results on the Holme–Kim network show that the opinion entropy will reduce to zero, and all individuals will hold the opinion of agreeing with the topic, only by adjusting the cons' opinions with a high control intensity. Controlling the individuals with big degree can bring down the opinion entropy in a short time. Besides, extremists do not easily change their opinion entropy. Compared with previous opinion clusters, opinion entropy provides a quantitative measurement for the uncertainty of opinions. Moreover, the model can be helpful for understanding the dynamics of opinion entropy, and controlling the public opinion.

[1]  Dietrich Stauffer,et al.  Phase transitions in Nowak–Sznajd opinion dynamics , 2007 .

[2]  Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron,et al.  Phase transition in the Sznajd model with independence , 2011, ArXiv.

[3]  Hui Zhang,et al.  Modeling the effects of social impact on epidemic spreading in complex networks , 2011 .

[4]  Beom Jun Kim,et al.  Growing scale-free networks with tunable clustering. , 2001, Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics.

[5]  K. Palepu.  Diversification strategy, profit performance and the entropy measure , 1985 .

[6]  André M. Timpanaro,et al.  Coexistence of Interacting Opinions in a Generalized Sznajd Model , 2011, Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics.

[7]  Krzysztof Malarz.  Truth Seekers in Opinion Dynamics Models , 2006 .

[8]  Luciano da Fontoura Costa.  SZNAJD COMPLEX NETWORKS , 2005 .

[9]  S. Galam,et al.  The role of inflexible minorities in the breaking of democratic opinion dynamics , 2007, physics/0703021.

[10]  Mingfeng He,et al.  OPINION EVOLUTION ON A SCALE-FREE NETWORK WITH LEADERS , 2004 .

[11]  Nuno Crokidakis,et al.  The Sznajd model with limited persuasion: competition between high-reputation and hesitant agents , 2011, ArXiv.

[12]  Hsing Mei,et al.  Hybrid Prefetching for HTTP Proxy Servers , 2000 .

[13]  Vito Latora,et al.  OPINION FORMATION MODELS BASED ON GAME THEORY , 2006 .

[14]  Fei Ding,et al.  An evolutionary game theory model of binary opinion formation , 2010 .

[15]  Nuno Crokidakis,et al.  Effects of mass media on opinion spreading in the Sznajd sociophysics model , 2011, ArXiv.

[16]  Guillaume Deffuant,et al.  Meet, discuss, and segregate! , 2002, Complex..

[17]  N. Boccara.  MODELS OF OPINION FORMATION: INFLUENCE OF OPINION LEADERS , 2007, 0704.1790.

[18]  C. E. SHANNON,et al.  A mathematical theory of communication , 1948, MOCO.

[19]  Albert,et al.  Emergence of scaling in random networks , 1999, Science.

[20]  Santo Fortunato.  The Sznajd Consensus Model with Continuous Opinions , 2005 .

[21]  A. Barrat,et al.  Consensus formation on adaptive networks. , 2007, Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics.

[22]  Jie Zhou,et al.  Influence of network structure on rumor propagation , 2007 .

[23]  R. Toral,et al.  Diffusing opinions in bounded confidence processes , 2010, 1004.1102.

[24]  Serge Galam,et al.  SOCIOPHYSICS: A REVIEW OF GALAM MODELS , 2008, 0803.1800.

[25]  Jan Lorenz,et al.  Continuous Opinion Dynamics under Bounded Confidence: A Survey , 2007, 0707.1762.

[26]  N. Boccara.  EVOLUTION OF EXTREMIST OPINIONS IN A POPULATION OF INTERACTING AGENTS , 2010 .

[27]  Dietrich Stauffer,et al.  DAMAGE SPREADING, COARSENING DYNAMICS AND DISTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL VOTES IN SZNAJD MODEL ON SQUARE LATTICE , 2001 .

[28]  Jiajia Wang,et al.  SIR rumor spreading model in the new media age , 2013 .

[29]  Fei Ding,et al.  CO-EVOLUTION OF OPINION AND STRATEGY IN PERSUASION DYNAMICS: AN EVOLUTIONARY GAME THEORETICAL APPROACH , 2009 .

[30]  Katarzyna Sznajd-Weron,et al.  Opinion evolution in closed community , 2000, cond-mat/0101130.

[31]  Nuno Crokidakis,et al.  Competition Among Reputations in the 2D Sznajd Model: Spontaneous Emergence of Democratic States , 2011, ArXiv.

[32]  F. Slanina,et al.  Analytical results for the Sznajd model of opinion formation , 2003, cond-mat/0305102.

[33]  Guillaume Deffuant,et al.  Mixing beliefs among interacting agents , 2000, Adv. Complex Syst..

[34]  S. Galam.  Contrarian deterministic effects on opinion dynamics: “the hung elections scenario” , 2003, cond-mat/0307404.