The roundtable: an abstract model of conversation dynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces an abstract, stochastic model of multi-party conversation dynamics that explains how social conversations naturally split into smaller groups, based on individual engagement levels.

Contribution

It presents a novel formal model that captures conversation size evolution and schisming using simple assumptions and topological information, driven by individual fitness dynamics.

Findings

A single mechanism explains conversation schisming.

The model reproduces self-organized conversation splitting.

Potential for generalization to other networked agent systems.

Abstract

Is it possible to abstract a formal mechanism originating schisms and governing the size evolution of social conversations? In this work a constructive solution to such problem is proposed: an abstract model of a generic N-party turn-taking conversation. The model develops from simple yet realistic assumptions derived from experimental evidence, abstracts from conversation content and semantics while including topological information, and is driven by stochastic dynamics. We find that a single mechanism - namely the dynamics of conversational party's individual fitness, as related to conversation size - controls the development of the self-organized schisming phenomenon. Potential generalizations of the model - including individual traits and preferences, memory effects and more elaborated conversational topologies - may find important applications also in other fields of research, where dynamically-interacting and networked agents play a fundamental role.