Modeling Opinion Flow in Humans Using Boids Algorithm & Social Network Analysis

Introduction

Brief Explanation of Boids algorithm

Elements of Social Network Analysis that we are Using

Element 1. Actors

Element 2. Connections

Element 3. Networks

Force Calculation

Example Force Calculation

Allowing Opinions to Change

Examples and Results

Small Population Example – Baron KingMaker

Large Population Results – Books and Battles.

Large Population Results – Schism

Optimizing the Calculation

Conclusion

For Further Information

Source Code

Continuing Work

References

The Missing Topics: Truth, Leadership and Expediency

Truth

Leadership

Expediency

Charlie has two professors: Prof A and Prof B. Charlie is influenced by what they think and his relation with them. (They are not influenced by what Charlie thinks, so we show no arrow going from Charlie to them.)

In our first example, Charlie has equal respect (weight 1) for both professors. We must normalize the strength of each connection across the sum of all connections.

Sum of All Connections = 1 + 1

Normalized Strength of Prof A = 1 / (1+1) = .5
Normalized Strength of Prof B = 1 / (1+1) = .5

If both professors have an alignment score (1) toward a particular idea (say a belief in King John), then there will be a force acting on Charlie to believe similarly. In our simple construction, the total force will be:

Avg. Weighted Alignment  = (.5 * 1)+(.5 * 1) = 1
Force = 1 – 0 = 1

There will be a net force pulling on Charlie to believe King John is the rightful king.

If however, one of the professors had an idea score
of -1 (say he believes King Richard should be king) then the total forces on Charlie will cancel out.

Avg. Weighted Alignment  = (.5 * 1)+(.5 * -1) = 0
Force = 0 – 0 = 0

There is no force pulling on him, since the two people he respects equally have opposing views.

If Charlie finds out some disturbing information about Prof A, and his respect turns to contempt (connectivity of –1) then the forces on him will change again. Now the total forces on him will be –2. His contempt for Prof A pushes him away from the ideas held by Prof A, and his respect for Prof B, pulls him closer to the idea held by Prof B.

Avg. Weighted Alignment  = (-.5 * 1)+(.5 * -1) = -1
Force = -1 – (0) = -1

Charlie is pulled in the direction of King Richard.