Opinion strength influences the spatial dynamics of opinion formation.

J Math Sociol

Department of Politics and Philosophy, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA.

Published: September 2016

AI Article Synopsis

  • Opinions are not just black and white; they exist on a spectrum of strength, which impacts their influence on others.
  • Researchers aim to analyze how different influence dynamics create noticeable patterns in the evolution of opinions over time and space.
  • Their simulations reveal that even minor boosts in opinion strength from interacting with similar individuals can lead to increased polarization and an inability to reach consensus.

Article Abstract

Opinions are rarely binary; they can be held with different degrees of conviction, and this expanded attitude spectrum can affect the influence one opinion has on others. Our goal is to understand how different aspects of influence lead to recognizable spatio-temporal patterns of opinions and their strengths. To do this, we introduce a stochastic spatial agent-based model of opinion dynamics that includes a spectrum of opinion strengths and various possible rules for how the opinion strength of one individual affects the influence that this individual has on others. Through simulations, we find that even a small amount of amplification of opinion strength through interaction with like-minded neighbors can tip the scales in favor of polarization and deadlock.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435385PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0022250X.2016.1205049DOI Listing

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