Controlling Segregation in Social Network Dynamics as an Edge Formation Game

TL;DR

This paper introduces an edge formation game model to control segregation in social networks by incentivizing cross-community connections, aiming to reduce echo chambers and promote diverse interactions.

Contribution

It develops a novel game-theoretic framework with an algorithmic recommendation mechanism that incentivizes inter-community links to mitigate segregation.

Findings

The model achieves a unique Nash equilibrium.

Simulations show effective segregation control.

Incentives promote cross-community connections.

Abstract

This paper studies controlling segregation in social networks via exogenous incentives. We construct an edge formation game on a directed graph. A user (node) chooses the probability with which it forms an inter- or intra- community edge based on a utility function that reflects the tradeoff between homophily (preference to connect with individuals that belong to the same group) and the preference to obtain an exogenous incentive. Decisions made by the users to connect with each other determine the evolution of the social network. We explore an algorithmic recommendation mechanism where the exogenous incentive in the utility function is based on weak ties which incentivizes users to connect across communities and mitigates the segregation. This setting leads to a submodular game with a unique Nash equilibrium. In numerical simulations, we explore how the proposed model can be useful in controlling segregation and echo chambers in social networks under various settings.