A generalized voter model with time-decaying memory on a multilayer network

TL;DR

This paper extends the voter model by integrating multilayer networks and time-decaying memory, revealing how heterogeneity and decay influence consensus formation and phase transitions.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized voter model with time-decaying memory on multilayer networks, analyzing how peer pressure and memory decay affect consensus and phase transitions.

Findings

Heterogeneity and decay hinder consensus.

Identified transition points for opinion coexistence.

Found relation between decay rate and consensus threshold.

Abstract

By incorporating a multilayer network and time-decaying memory into the original voter model, the coupled effects of spatial and temporal cumulation of peer pressure on consensus are investigated. Heterogeneity in peer pressure and time-decaying mechanism are both found to be detrimental to consensus. The transition points, below which a consensus can always be reached and above which two opposed opinions are more likely to coexist, are found. A mean-field analysis indicates that the phase transitions in the present model are governed by the cumulative influence of peer pressure and the updating threshold. A functional relation between the consensus threshold and the decaying rate of the influence of peer pressure is found. As to the time to reach a consensus, it is governed by the coupling of the memory length and the decaying rate. An intermediate decaying rate may lead to much lower time to reach a consensus.