Modeling opinion polarization: can we control public discourse?
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Public opinion dynamics shape societal discourse, with engagement levels influencing the balance between polarization and depolarization. Methods We present a compartmental model inspired by epidemiology to analyze opinion dissemination under external interventions. The model categorizes individuals into susceptible, exposed, positive, negative, and mixed-emotion communicators, with a time-dependent step function u(t) modeling controlled engagement surges during a finite intervention period. Results Our analysis focuses specifically on the effects of temporary interventions rather than long-term system evolution. The results highlight engagement as a key control mechanism in shaping ideological stability. Discussion Real-world interventions, such as government-imposed access restrictions, demonstrate how targeted engagement shifts influence public discourse. This study provides a mathematical framework for understanding how external interventions drive opinion evolution and offers insights into managing polarization in digital and social environments.
Source: Frontiers in Physics
Authors: Ali Demirci, Ayse Peker-Dobie, Sevgi Harman
Institution: Istanbul Technical University
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W4413901090