Polarization Model of Online Social Networks Based on the Concept of Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fundamental model of polarization in online social networks based on spontaneous symmetry breaking, aiming to understand and counteract societal division caused by biased information dissemination.

Contribution

It proposes a novel polarization model rooted in spontaneous symmetry breaking, extending the oscillation model of user dynamics in social networks.

Findings

The model explains how societal polarization emerges from user interactions.

It provides insights into mechanisms driving division in online communities.

Potential strategies for mitigating polarization are suggested.

Abstract

The spread of information networks has not only made it easier for people to access a variety of information sources but also greatly enhanced the ability of individuals to disseminate information. Unfortunately, however, the problem of slander in online social networks shows that the evolving information network environment does not necessarily support mutual understanding in society. Since information with particular bias is distributed only to those communities that prefer it, the division of society into various opposing groups is strengthened. This phenomenon is called polarization. It is necessary to understand the mechanism of polarization to establish technologies that can counter polarization. This paper introduces a fundamental model for understanding polarization that is based on the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking; our starting point is the oscillation model that describes user dynamics in online social networks.