Kinetic models of opinion formation

We introduce and discuss certain kinetic models of (continuous) opinion formation involving both exchange of opinion between individual agents and diffusion of information. We show conditions which ensure that the kinetic model reaches non trivial stationary states in case of lack of diffusion in correspondence of some opinion point. Analytical results are then obtained by considering a suitable asymptotic limit of the model yielding a Fokker-Planck equation for the distribution of opinion among individuals.

Keywords

Sociophysics, Boltzmann equation, opinion formation

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification

Primary 91C20. Secondary 60K35.

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Published 1 January 2006