Discrete-Time Polar Opinion Dynamics with Heterogeneous Individuals

Abstract

This paper considers a discrete-time opinion dynamics model in which each individual's susceptibility to being influenced by others is dependent on her current opinion. We first propose a general opinion dynamics model based on the DeGroot model, with a general function to describe the functional dependence of each individual's susceptibility to her own opinion, and characterize the set of all equilibria and stability of nontrivial equilibria. We then consider two classes of functions in which the individual's susceptibility depends on the polarity of her opinion (i.e., how extreme her opinion is), and provide motivating social examples. First, we consider stubborn positives, who have reduced susceptibility if their opinions are at one end of the interval and increased susceptibility if their opinions are at the opposite end. Second, we consider stubborn extremists, who are less susceptible when they hold opinions at either end of the opinion interval. For each susceptibility model, we establish limiting behavior for different initial conditions. Networks consisting of individuals with both types of susceptibility functions are also considered.