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arXiv · 1309.7455

From sparse to dense and from assortative to disassortative in online social networks

Menghui Li·Shuguang Guan·Chensheng Wu·Xiaofeng Gong·Kun Li·Jinshan Wu·Zengru Di·Choy-Heng Lai
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Abstract

Inspired by the analysis of several empirical online social networks, we propose a simple reaction-diffusion-like coevolving model, in which individuals are activated to create links based on their states, influenced by local dynamics and their own intention. It is shown that the model can reproduce the remarkable properties observed in empirical online social networks; in particular, the assortative coefficients are neutral or negative, and the power law exponents are smaller than 2. Moreover, we demonstrate that, under appropriate conditions, the model network naturally makes transition(s) from assortative to disassortative, and from sparse to dense in their characteristics. The model is useful in understanding the formation and evolution of online social networks.

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Menghui Li, Shuguang Guan, Chensheng Wu, Xiaofeng Gong, Kun Li, Jinshan Wu, Zengru Di, Choy-Heng Lai. 2014-04-12. From sparse to dense and from assortative to disassortative in online social networks. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep04861

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