Rumour Propagation on Social Networks as a Function of Diversity

Abstract

In the case of a rumour propagating across a social network comprised of two interconnected groups, a majority group and a minority group, the effect on the rumour propagation of the minority’s distribution in the social network is investigated. The rumour is derogatory towards the minority group and its transmission is simulated using the GBN-Dialogue model of rumour propagation on realistic social networks. The integration of the minority group into the entire social network is measured by the Minority Integration Metric (MIM). Monte Carlo simulations show that rumour penetration into the minority subgroup is an increasing linear function of the MIM and thus minority members of the social network will have a higher level of belief in the minority-derogatory rumour if the minority is more integrated into the social network. A threshold MIM value can be estimated below which the rumour fails to penetrate the minority subgroup.