A classification and recognition algorithm of key figures in public opinion integrating multidimensional similarity and K-shell based on supernetwork

Abstract In online public opinion events, key figures are crucial to the formation and diffusion of public opinion, to the evolution and dissemination of topics, and to the guidance and transformation of the direction of public opinion. Based on the four-dimensional public opinion communication supernetwork (social-psychology-opinion-convergent), this study proposes a classification and recognition algorithm of key figures in online public opinion that integrates multidimensional similarity and K-shell to identify the key figures with differentiation in online public opinion events. The research finds that the evolutionary process of public opinion events is the joint action of key figures with different roles. The opinion leader is the key figure in the global communication of public opinion. The focus figure is the core figure that promotes the dissemination of public opinion on local subnetworks. The communication figure is the “bridge” node in the cross-regional communication of public opinion. Through the algorithm verification of the case “China Eastern Airlines Passenger Plane Crash Event”, we find that the algorithm proposed in this paper has advantages in feasibility, sensitivity, and effectiveness, compared with traditional algorithms such as CI, forwarding volume, degree centrality, K-shell, and multidimensional similarity. The classification and recognition algorithm proposed in this study can not only identify multirole key figures simultaneously but also improve the recognition granularity and eliminate the interference of core-like nodes.