A dual-threshold approach for the dynamics of bi-polarization in signed networks with communities

Abstract

The intensified global bi-polarization has been threatening social stability and democracy in recent years, with social networks of various forms playing a key role in shaping opinion dynamics. Understanding how individual and collective opinions form, change, and spread is crucial for mitigating bi-polarization. However, existing research rarely investigates the effects of signs on edges and their distributional characteristics among communities. This study introduces a dual-threshold opinion dynamics model in signed networks with communities to identify and analyze the impact of edge heterogeneity and its distribution on assimilation and repulsion social influences in network opinion evolution. It reveals that repulsive social influences introduced by negative edges cause assimilative social influences from positive edges to increase bi-polarization in a non-monotonic manner. The distribution of initial opinions and the tendency of intra-community node connections significantly affect the degree of bi-polarization. Different initial opinions and moderate inter-community connections can mitigate bi-polarization. Additionally, the density of positive inter-community connections has a non-monotonic effect on bi-polarization, increasing the likelihood of network consensus. This study uncovers the complex dynamics of opinion evolution, enhances understanding of how social influence and network structures shape opinion dynamics, and offers a broader perspective for effectively managing and influencing the evolution of public opinion.