Monte Carlo Simulations of Opinion Dynamics
arXiv:cond-mat/0501105 · doi:10.1142/9789812701558_0034
Abstract
We briefly introduce a new promising field of applications of statistical physics, opinion dynamics, where the systems at study are social groups or communities and the atoms/spins are the individuals (or agents) belonging to such groups. The opinion of each agent is modeled by a number, integer or real, and simple rules determine how the opinions vary as a consequence of discussions between people. Monte Carlo simulations of consensus models lead to patterns of self-organization among the agents which fairly well reproduce the trends observed in real social systems.
5 pages, 2 figures. Contribution to the Proceedings of the Conference "Complexity, Metastability and Nonextensivity", Ettore Majorana Foundation and Center for Scientific Culture, Erice (Sicily) 20-26 July 2004