Quantum-Mechanical Modelling of Asymmetric Opinion Polarisation in Social Networks

Abstract

We propose a quantum-mechanical model that represents a human system of beliefs as quantised energy levels of a physical system. This model underscores a novel perspective on opinion dynamics, recreating a broad range of experimental and real-world data that exhibit an asymmetry of opinion radicalisation. In particular, the model demonstrates the phenomena of pronounced conservatism versus mild liberalism when individuals are exposed to opposing views, mirroring recent findings on opinion polarisation via social media exposure. Advancing this model, we establish a solid framework that integrates elements from physics, psychology, behavioural science, decision-making theory and philosophy, and also emphasise the inherent advantages of the quantum approach over traditional classical models. We also suggest a number of new directions for future research work on quantum-mechanical models of human cognition and decision-making.