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Consensus in Models for Opinion Dynamics with Generalized-Bias (2409.10809v1)

Published 17 Sep 2024 in cs.SI and math.DS

Abstract: Interest is growing in social learning models where users share opinions and adjust their beliefs in response to others. This paper introduces generalized-bias opinion models, an extension of the DeGroot model, that captures a broader range of cognitive biases. These models can capture, among others, dynamic (changing) influences as well as ingroup favoritism and out-group hostility, a bias where agents may react differently to opinions from members of their own group compared to those from outside. The reactions are formalized as arbitrary functions that depend, not only on opinion difference, but also on the particular opinions of the individuals interacting. Under certain reasonable conditions, all agents (despite their biases) will converge to a consensus if the influence graph is strongly connected, as in the original DeGroot model. The proposed approach combines different biases, providing deeper insights into the mechanics of opinion dynamics and influence within social networks.

Citations (1)

Summary

  • The paper introduces an advanced framework that integrates generalized bias functions into the DeGroot model to capture complex social interactions.
  • The paper employs rigorous mathematical proofs and continuous bias functions to ensure consensus under strong connectivity conditions.
  • Simulations demonstrate the practical impact of intergroup biases in opinion convergence, highlighting potential applications in addressing societal polarization.

Consensus in Models for Opinion Dynamics with Generalized-Bias

Introduction

The paper "Consensus in Models for Opinion Dynamics with Generalized-Bias" introduces an advanced framework that extends the classical DeGroot model for social learning in networks. This extended model captures a variety of cognitive biases that influence opinion dynamics beyond simple averaging, such as in-group favoritism and out-group hostility.

The classical DeGroot model is limited by its assumptions of linearity and homogeneity in opinion updates. By contrast, generalized-bias models introduce more complex, non-linear dynamics through functions that depend on both opinion differences and specific agent characteristics. This complexity allows the model to represent various social biases and interactions more accurately.

Generalized-Bias Model

In this paper, the authors propose a model where agents' interactions and opinion updates are influenced by cognitive biases. These biases are formalized by functions that adjust the opinion influence, not only based on the opinion disparity but also contingent on the opinions of interacting agents. This model aligns with observations in social psychology, such as intergroup bias, where individuals have differential responses based on group membership.

Key concepts from the paper include:

  • Influence Graph: A directed graph representing agents and their influence on each other, with biases applied to these influences.
  • Bias Functions: Continuous functions that modulate influence weights according to specific biases.
  • Consensus Achievement: Even with complex biases, the model proves that consensus is achievable if the influence graph is strongly connected.

Mathematical Foundation

The paper uses rigorous mathematical constructs to define and analyze the generalized-bias model:

  • It employs continuous bias functions αij(x)\alpha_{ij}(x), ensuring the update dynamics remain deterministic and measurable.
  • These functions allow the model to account for varying reactions to opinion differences and are defined to assure convergence in opinion dynamics.
  • State transitions in opinion dynamics are represented as matrix operations with entries weighted by these bias functions, capturing the network's evolving topology.

Consensus Results

The paper establishes that under conditions of strong connectivity in the influence graph and properly defined bias functions, the model achieves convergence to consensus. Several theorems are presented to substantiate these claims:

  • Theorem on Consensus for Generalized-Bias Models confirms the conditions under which agents, despite biases, reach consensus.
  • The proofs provided are grounded in linear algebra and involve demonstrating properties such as irreducibility and stochastic behavior of matrices representing influence.

Case Study of Intergroup Bias

A case paper on intergroup bias is presented, showcasing the model's expressiveness by simulating opinion dynamics where agents are divided into distinct ideological groups (e.g., progressive, moderate, conservative). The simulations demonstrate how biases affect opinion convergence and highlight the nuanced dynamics captured by generalized bias functions.

Implications

The introduction of generalized-bias models has significant implications for understanding social networks and the flow of opinions therein:

  • Practical Applications: The model provides insights into managing polarization and designing interventions in opinion dynamics, potentially influencing strategies in online platforms and political arenas.
  • Theoretical Contributions: It extends classical models by rigorously integrating social psychology principles, thus broadening the scope of formal studies in social learning and opinion dynamics.

Conclusion

The work offers a substantial advancement in the modeling of opinion dynamics by incorporating generalized biases. Future research can explore extensions to asynchronous updates, heterogeneous networks, and integration with learning models that include deception or misinformation dynamics. The potential for leveraging such models to simulate and predict real-world social phenomena remains a promising direction for interdisciplinary research.

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