Abstract:
We investigate a model for opinion dynamics, where individuals (modeled by vertices of a graph) hold certain abstract opinions. As time progresses, neighboring individuals interact with each other, and this interaction results in a realignment of opinions closer towards each other. This mechanism triggers formation of consensus among the individuals. Our main focus is on strong consensus (i.e. global agreement of all individuals) versus weak consensus (i.e. local agreement among neighbors). We provide an example of an opinion formation process on the one-dimensional lattice with weak
consensus but no strong consensus.
The talk is based on joint work with Markus Heydenreich and Timo Hirscher.