Modeling and simulation on the spreading dynamics of public opinion information in temporal group networks

Abstract In the new media environment, the constantly emerging social platforms further expand the channels for the propagation of public opinion. Under the framework of complex network theory and faced the needs of management practice, modeling the spreading dynamics of public opinion in temporal group networks is of great significance for understanding its spreading law and improving the governance system of cyberspace and the development of network science. Through analyzing the changes of group networks topology and the spreading rules of public opinion, the spreading model of public opinion in temporal group networks was proposed by coupling the two dynamic processes, and the spreading thresholds of public opinion in static and temporal group networks were derived respectively. Then, the spreading characteristics of public opinion under different network topology, as well as the influence of important parameters on public opinion spreading process were discussed with the help of simulation experiments. The research results indicated that the propagation of public opinion in static and temporal group networks exhibits both similar trends and differentiated characteristics; compared with Spreader, the propagation of public opinion in temporal group networks is more sensitive to Ignorant’s behavior; both groups’ and netizens’ active probability have significant influence on public opinion propagation, but netizens’ affects more. Based on the relevant results, this paper proposed a series of countermeasures such as, grading social platforms, strengthening relationship management between them and introducing time management systems, so as to promote the formation of a good network ecosystem and the modernization of the national governance system.