Biswas-Chatterjee-Sen (BChS) kinetic exchange opinion model on modular networks

TL;DR

This paper investigates how modular network structures influence opinion formation dynamics using the BChS kinetic exchange model, revealing diverse collective phases and the impact of intra- and inter-group interactions.

Contribution

It introduces an analysis of opinion dynamics on modular networks with the BChS model, highlighting how network modularity affects consensus and ordering phases.

Findings

Robust intra-group ordering without global consensus observed.

Distinct phases identified by tuning intra- and inter-group connectivity.

Anti-ferromagnetic ordering emerges with increased negative inter-group interactions.

Abstract

We study opinion formation in a society where agents interact on a modular network generated using a stochastic block model (SBM). Opinion dynamics is modeled through the Biswas-Chatterjee-Sen (BChS) kinetic exchange model, in which agents undergo pairwise interactions that could be positive or negative. By tuning the relative strength of intra- and inter-group connectivity inherent to the SBM, as well as the disagreement probability, we identify distinct collective phases. In particular, we observe a robust regime with strong intragroup ordering but no global consensus, in addition to fully ordered and disordered states. In the particular case of two modules, we observe an anti-ferromagnetic type ordering with the increase of negative interaction between the groups. We show approximate analytical calculations and numerical results of it. These results demonstrate how modular interaction structure can qualitatively alter collective opinion dynamics and hinder consensus formation.