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Optimal Verification of Rumors in Networks

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  • Luca Paolo Merlino
  • Nicole Tabasso

Abstract

We study the diffusion of a true and a false message when agents are biased and able to verify messages. As a recipient of a rumor who verifies it becomes informed of the truth, a higher rumor prevalence can increase the prevalence of the truth. We uncover conditions such that this happens and discuss policy implications. Specifically, a planner aiming to maximize the prevalence of the truth should allow rumors to circulate if: verification overcomes ignorance of messages, transmission of information is relatively low, and the planner's budget to induce verification is neither too low nor too high.

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  • Luca Paolo Merlino & Nicole Tabasso, 2022. "Optimal Verification of Rumors in Networks," Papers 2207.01830, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2207.01830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Akbarpour, Mohammad & Malladi, Suraj & Saberi, Amin, 2018. "Just a Few Seeds More: Value of Network Information for Diffusion," Research Papers 3678, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    4. Talamàs, Eduard & Vohra, Rakesh, 2020. "Free and perfectly safe but only partially effective vaccines can harm everyone," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 277-289.
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