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Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Luca P. Merlino

    (University of Antwerp and ECARES, Université libre de Bruxelles)

  • Nicole Tabasso

    (Department of Economics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; University of Surrey, School of Economics)

Abstract

We study the diffusion of a true and a false message when agents are (i) biased towards one of the messages and (ii) agents are able to inspect messages for veracity. Inspection of messages implies that a higher rumor prevalence may increase the prevalence of the truth. We employ this result to discuss how a planner may optimally choose information inspection rates of the population. We find that a planner who aims to maximize the prevalence of the truth may find it optimal to allow rumors to circulate.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca P. Merlino & Nicole Tabasso, 2022. "Optimal Inspection of Rumors in Networks," Working Papers 2022: 19, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    • Handle: RePEc:ven:wpaper:2022:19
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social Networks; Rumors; Scrutiny;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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