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Exploring the spiral of silence in adjustable social networks

Author

Listed:
  • Yue Wu

    (Computer and Software Engineering School of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, P. R. China)

  • Ya-Jun Du

    (Computer and Software Engineering School of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, P. R. China)

  • Xian-Yong Li

    (Computer and Software Engineering School of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, P. R. China)

  • Xiao-Liang Chen

    (Computer and Software Engineering School of Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, P. R. China)

Abstract

This study extends the understanding of the spiral of silence theory by taking into account four factors, including the topology of networks, the time factor of information transmission, the node degree of individuals and the freedom of expression. Simulation experiments analyze the silencers, public opinion in steady state and relaxation time in small-world networks, scale-free networks and community-structured networks by adjusting the initial conditions. Results highlight that individuals are easier to keep silent in scale-free network, especially when the individual with big degree and minority opinion starts the discussion. Conversely, there are only a few individuals keep silent in the community-structured network when the two communities hold opposite opinions. Moreover, the number of silencers grows as the degree of coupling increases, and it decreases as the freedom of expression goes up. By analyzing the public opinion evolution, we also find some important conditions, such as the network topology, the potential public opinion distribution, and the status and sides of the first speaker, can drive the minority reversal.

Suggested Citation

  • Yue Wu & Ya-Jun Du & Xian-Yong Li & Xiao-Liang Chen, 2015. "Exploring the spiral of silence in adjustable social networks," International Journal of Modern Physics C (IJMPC), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 26(11), pages 1-12.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijmpcx:v:26:y:2015:i:11:n:s0129183115501259
    DOI: 10.1142/S0129183115501259
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    Cited by:

    1. Benjamin Cabrera & Björn Ross & Daniel Röchert & Felix Brünker & Stefan Stieglitz, 2021. "The influence of community structure on opinion expression: an agent-based model," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 91(9), pages 1331-1355, November.
    2. Frieden, Rob, 2017. "Grey nuances in the black and white debate over subsidized Internet access," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(10), pages 1017-1026.

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