G28: Statistical Physics of Networks: Theory and Applications to Complex Systems II

Tue. March 5, 1:54 p.m. – 2:06 p.m. CST

101I

The underlying mechanisms of human group behavior drive several aspects of social relations, organization, and dynamics, often exhibiting emergent properties that result from joint interactions. This work investigates collective decision-making processes via a three-state opinion formation model within the continuous network framework. We randomly place individuals as nodes on a unit square area with links representing social interactions within an influence radius, which we relate to the average connectivity 〈k〉 of the network. We implement a majority-vote dynamics in which individuals may assume one of three distinct opinions regarding a social subject under the influence of a social anxiety level q. We find a consensus-dissensus continuous transition responsive to the individual's social interaction radius. Using Monte Carlo simulations and finite-size scaling analysis, we obtain the order-disorder phase diagram q versus〈k〉and the critical exponents. Our findings suggest that larger communities exhibit greater resilience against the disruptive impact of disorder caused by social anxiety.