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Monte Carlo Simulations of Opinion Dynamics

Santo Fortunato
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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.

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BibTeXRIS

Santo Fortunato. 2005-01-06. Monte Carlo Simulations of Opinion Dynamics. https://doi.org/10.1142/9789812701558_0034

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