Social power and opinion formation in complex networks

• Published in: Physica A Vol. 392; no. 4; pp. 959 - 966
• Main Author: Jalili, Mahdi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15-02-2013
• Subjects: Attachment; Complex networks; Computer simulation; Consensus; Dynamic opinion formation; Evolution; Mathematical models; Networks; Optimization; Social networks; Social power; Statistical mechanics; Dynamic opinion formation; Social networks; Social power; Consensus; Complex networks
• ISSN: 0378-4371; 1873-2119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2012.10.013

In this paper we investigate the effects of social power on the evolution of opinions in model networks as well as in a number of real social networks. A continuous opinion formation model is considered and the analysis is performed through numerical simulation. Social power is given to a proportion of agents selected either randomly or based on their degrees. As artificial network structures, we consider scale-free networks constructed through preferential attachment and Watts–Strogatz networks. Numerical simulations show that scale-free networks with degree-based social power on the hub nodes have an optimal case where the largest number of the nodes reaches a consensus. However, given power to a random selection of nodes could not improve consensus properties. Introducing social power in Watts–Strogatz networks could not significantly change the consensus profile.
► Opinion formation in complex networks depends on their structure. ► Giving power to hub nodes enhances consensus properties of heterogeneous networks. ► An optimal amount of social power is found for scale-free networks.