Optimal structure of groups under exposure to fake news

Applied Network Science

Imre Derényi¹  Evelin Berekméri¹  Anna Zafeiris¹ 

[1] Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös University;

关键词: Communication network;    Optimal group structure;    Limited access to information;    Fake news;    Disinformation;    Diversity;   

DOI  :  10.1007/s41109-019-0227-z

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Humans predominantly form their beliefs based on communication with other humans rather than direct observations, even on matters of facts, such as the shape of the globe or the effects of child vaccinations. Despite the fact that this is a well-known (not to say: trivial) observation, literature on opinion dynamics and opinion formation largely overlooks this circumstance. In the present paper we study the effects of limited access to information on the level of knowledge of members of groups embedded into an environment that can be observed. We also study the consequences of false information circulating within the group. We find that exposure to fake news makes intense communication counterproductive, but, at the same time, calls forth diversification of agents with respect to their information spreading abilities.

【 授权许可】

Unknown