Sznajd model and its applications

TL;DR

This paper reviews the Sznajd model, a sociophysics approach to opinion formation where information flows outward, highlighting its modifications and diverse applications since its inception in 2000.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the Sznajd model's developments and applications, emphasizing its unique outward information flow compared to other models.

Findings

The Sznajd model has been widely modified and applied across various social phenomena.

Outward information flow distinguishes SM from other opinion models.

The model's versatility has been demonstrated in multiple sociophysical contexts.

Abstract

In 2000 we proposed a sociophysics model of opinion formation, which was based on trade union maxim "United we Stand, Divided we Fall" (USDF) and latter due to Dietrich Stauffer became known as the Sznajd model (SM). The main difference between SM compared to voter or Ising-type models is that information flows outward. In this paper we review the modifications and applications of SM that have been proposed in the literature.