Modeling Memetics using Edge Diversity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new framework combining synthetic networks and an edge diversity-based spreading model to simulate and analyze meme propagation, validated on real social media data.

Contribution

It presents a novel artificial framework and a meme spreading model based on edge diversity, advancing the understanding of meme dynamics in complex networks.

Findings

Synthetic network and model replicate real meme spread

Model validated on Twitter Higgs boson meme

Edge diversity influences propagation patterns

Abstract

The study of meme propagation and the prediction of meme trajectory are emerging areas of interest in the field of complex networks research. In addition to the properties of the meme itself, the structural properties of the underlying network decides the speed and the trajectory of the propagating meme. In this paper, we provide an artificial framework for studying the meme propagation patterns. Firstly, the framework includes a synthetic network which simulates a real world network and acts as a testbed for meme simulation. Secondly, we propose a meme spreading model based on the diversity of edges in the network. Through the experiments conducted, we show that the generated synthetic network combined with the proposed spreading model is able to simulate a real world meme spread. Our proposed model is validated by the propagation of the Higgs boson meme on Twitter as well as many real world social networks.