An ICDRI rumor propagation model based on the individual discrepancy theory in social networks

Rumors can bring about a seriously negative impact on all respects of society in this information era. More targeted control strategies can be acquired through the research of rumor propagation. When receiving rumors, individuals may keep imperturbable according to their rationality or bygone experience, and then choose not to propagate rumors provisionally. Oppositely, others may ask people around them about the realness of rumors due to bewilderment, which may further lead to the propagation of rumors. Therefore, an Ignorant-Conservative-Disseminator-Restorer-Ignorant (ICDRI) rumor dissemination model is proposed, which comprehensively considers users' various probable actions under rumor and anti-rumor information. Furthermore, new links are added among nodes in accordance with the individual discrepancy theory and the influencing factors of rumor spreading including negation factor, authority factor, exhaustion factor, etc. According to the calculated basic regeneration number, simulation analysis and model comparison, the steady state and superiority of the ICDRI model is proved. Finally, strategies to control the spread of rumors are obtained through the sensitivity analysis of parameters. The simulation results demonstrate that the ICDRI model can more realistically reflect the dissemination of rumors, and the official rumor refutation or circular can efficaciously curb the spreading of rumors.