A Computational Model and Convergence Theorem for Rumor Dissemination in Social Networks

Abstract

The spread of rumors, which are known as unverified statements of uncertain origin, may cause tremendous number of social problems. If it would be possible to identify factors affecting spreading a rumor (such as agents' desires, trust network, etc.), then this could be used to slowdown or stop its spreading. A computational model that includes rumor features and the way a rumor is spread among society's members, based on their desires, is therefore needed. Our research is centering on the relation between the homogeneity of the society and rumor convergence in it and result shows that the homogeneity of the society is a necessary condition for convergence of the spreading rumor.