A mathematical foundation for stochastic opinion dynamics

Luis E. Castro, Nazrul I Shaikh

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

This article presents a stochastic opinion dynamics model where (a) the opinion of each agent in a network is modeled as a probability distribution as against a point object, (b) consensus is defined as the stability region of the ensuing set of stochastic difference equations, and (c) compromise solutions can be derived between agents who don't have a consensus. The model is well suited for tracking opinion dynamics over large online systems such as Twitter and Yelp where opinions need to be extracted from the user-generated text data. Theoretical conditions for the existence of consensus and the impact that stubborn agents have on opinion dynamics are also presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)20-42
Number of pages23
JournalInternational Journal of Business Analytics
Volume6
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019

Keywords

  • Consensus
  • Opinion Dynamics
  • Opinion Formation
  • Opinion Update
  • Stochastic Difference Equations

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Strategy and Management

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