Physicists model how we form opinions

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The model updates the state of a node (individual) depending on the fraction of the states of its neighbors. In this case that fraction (laggard parameter) is 80. In (a) the central node keeps its original state. In (b) the central node is updated si ...
The model updates the state of a node (individual) depending on the fraction of the states of its neighbors. In this case, that fraction (“laggard parameter”) is 80%. In (a), the central node keeps its original state. In (b), the central node is updated since 80% of its neighbors are in the opposite state. Credit: P. Klimek, et al.
In large part, a society’s image stems from its overall opinions – its political, religious, and ethical beliefs – and how much diversity it tolerates. For example, how do some areas develop images of being either liberal or conservative, and, in others, liberals and conservatives live side by side?


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