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

Standardized mean difference of the ratio FEV1/FVC between study participants exposed to bg dust at the work place and low/no exposed participants.

<p>Standardized mean difference of the ratio FEV1/FVC between study participants exposed to bg dust at the work place and low/no exposed participants.</p

Decrease of FEV1 (ml) in relation to the cumulative exposure to bg dust at the workplace (mg·m^-3·years).

<p>Decrease of FEV1 (ml) in relation to the cumulative exposure to bg dust at the workplace (mg·m^-3·years).</p

Mean difference (MD) of FEV1 in % predicted between study participants exposed to bg dust at the workplace and no/low exposed participants.

<p>Mean difference (MD) of FEV1 in % predicted between study participants exposed to bg dust at the workplace and no/low exposed participants.</p

Associations between domestic cat allergen exposure and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms stratified by community cat prevalence.

<p>Fig 2 shows the associations between log-transformed cat allergen concentrations in mattress dust and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms with approximate significance of the smooth terms, stratified by community cat prevalence</p

Baseline characteristics of the study population (subset of ECRHS II).

<p>¹ Never had asthma and no lower respiratory symptoms (wheezing/whistling, tightness in chest, attack of shortness of breath during rest/activity, woken up by an attack of shortness of breath, asthma attack, medication), trouble with breathing, hay fever, runny or blocked nose without a cold, or medicine for breathing (last 12 months)</p><p>² exposure to second-hand smoke, smoke at home or during work</p><p>Baseline characteristics of the study population (subset of ECRHS II).</p

Associations between cat allergen concentrations in mattress dust and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms.

<p>Fig 1 shows the associations between log-transformed cat allergen concentrations in mattress dust and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms with approximate significance of the smooth terms</p

Associations between domestic cat allergen exposure and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms stratified by geographical location.

<p>Fig 3 shows the associations between log-transformed cat allergen concentrations in mattress dust and asthmatic and allergic respiratory symptoms with approximate significance of the smooth terms, stratified by geographical location</p