Opinion Cascades and Echo-Chambers in Online Networks: A Proof of Concept Agent-Based Model

In online networks, the polarization of opinions (e.g., regarding presidential elections or referenda) has been associated with the creation of “echo-chambers” of like-minded peers, secluded from those of contrary viewpoints. Previous work has commonly attributed such phenomena to self-regarding preferences (e.g., confirmation bias), individual differences, and the pre-dispositions of users, with clusters forming over repeated interactions. The present work provides a proof of concept Agent-Based Model that demonstrates online networks are susceptible to echo-chambers from a single opinion cascade, due to the spatiotemporal order induced by lateral transmission. This susceptibility is found to vary as a function of degree of interconnectivity and opinion strength. Critically, such effects are found despite globally proportionate levels of opinions, equally rational agents (i.e. absent conformity, confirmation bias or pre-disposition architecture), and prior to cyclical interactions. The assumptions and implications of this work, including the value of Agent-Based Modelling to cognitive psychology, are discussed

Population and Selection.

<p>Comparison between lung-healthy controls and children with respiratory allergies.</p

Corrected Associations between PA and Allergic Phenotype.

<p>Models corrected for age, height, season of accelerometry, nutritional intervention, parental education and study center.</p

Spirometric indices and grip strength.

<p><b>Basic Model.</b> Corrected only for age, height, lean body mass, nutritional intervention, and study center (Munich/Wesel).</p

Handgrip strength is positively associated with lung volume in both male and female adolescents in different stages of puberty.

<p>Handgrip strength is positively associated with lung volume in both male and female adolescents in different stages of puberty.</p

Population characteristics.

<p>Population characteristics.</p

Spirometric indices and grip strength, sensitivity analyses.

<p>All models corrected for age, height, lean body mass, nutritional intervention and study center (Munich/Wesel) as in Basic Model (<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0194560#pone.0194560.t002" target="_blank">Table 2</a>).</p

Handgrip strength is positively associated with lung volume in both male and female adolescents.

<p>Handgrip strength is positively associated with lung volume in both male and female adolescents.</p

Questionnaire items used for scoring.

<p>Numbers in brackets (%) are frequencies of parents' answers, denominator of n = 1226 in Leicester subsample used for generating the tool, and of n = 140 in MAS-90 subsample. * before/after imputation with values from prior follow-up assessments and baseline.</p><p>Questionnaire items used for scoring.</p

Characteristics of families in sample used for external validation, by follow-up status.

<p>ISCED, International Standard classification of Education; BMI, Body mass index; IgE, Immunoglobulin E; 95%-CI, bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals; kU/l, kilo Units per litre.</p><p>Characteristics of families in sample used for external validation, by follow-up status.</p