Adaptive hypergraphs and the characteristic scale of higher-order contagions using generalized approximate master equations

Abstract

People organize in groups and contagions spread across them. A simple process, but complex to model due to dynamical correlations within groups and between groups. Groups can also change as agents join and leave them to avoid infection. To study the characteristic levels of group activity required to best model dynamics and for agents to adapt, we develop master equations for adaptive hypergraphs, finding bistability and regimes of detrimental, beneficial, and optimal rewiring, at odds with adaptation on networks. Our study paves the way for higher-order adaptation and self-organized hypergraphs.