Combined update scheme in the Sznajd model

TL;DR

This paper investigates how combining asynchronous and synchronous updating schemes in the Sznajd opinion model affects consensus formation, revealing that higher synchronous updating hampers consensus and small fractions of different updating can prevent consensus in large systems.

Contribution

It introduces and analyzes a combined updating scheme in the Sznajd model, showing how it influences consensus dynamics and the emergence of non-consensus states.

Findings

Higher synchronous frequency makes consensus harder to achieve.

Small fractions of individuals with different updating rules can prevent consensus in large systems.

Combined updating schemes significantly alter the final states of the model.

Abstract

We analyze the Sznajd opinion formation model, where a pair of neighboring individuals sharing the same opinion on a square lattice convince its six neighbors to adopt their opinions, when a fraction of the individuals is updated according to the usual random sequential updating rule (asynchronous updating), and the other fraction, the simultaneous updating (synchronous updating). This combined updating scheme provides that the bigger the synchronous frequency becomes, the more difficult the system reaches a consensus. Moreover, in the thermodynamic limit, the system needs only a small fraction of individuals following a different kind of updating rules to present a non-consensus state as a final state.