Opinion dynamics as a movement in a bistable potential

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the model of opinion dynamics with anticonformity on a complete graph. We show that below some threshold value of anticonformal behavior spontaneous reorientations occur between two stable states. Dealing with a complete graph allows us also for analytical treatment. We show that opinion dynamics can be understood as a movement of a public opinion in a symmetric bistable effective potential. We focus also on the spontaneous transitions between stable states and show that a typical waiting time can be observed.