Opinion dynamics under common influencer assumption or leadership control

Abstract

We study Hegselmann-Krause type opinion formation models with non-universal interaction and time-delayed coupling. We assume the presence of a common influencer between two different agents. Moreover, we explore two cases in which such an assumption does not hold but leaders with independent opinion are present. By using careful estimates on the system's trajectories, we are able to prove asymptotic convergence to consensus estimates. Some numerical tests illustrate the theoretical results.