SEIOR Rumor Propagation Model Considering Hesitating Mechanism and Different Rumor-Refuting Ways in Complex Networks

Abstract

Considering that the state transfer rules between nodes in existing rumor propagation models are mostly based on a single propagation mechanism, and most of the models have a single way of refuting rumors, in this paper, a new SEIOR rumor propagation model (ignorant (S), hesitators (E), spreaders (I), rumor debunkers (O), immunizers (R)) is proposed by introducing hesitators and rumor debunkers and combining different rumor-refuting ways of rumor debunkers. Firstly, the dynamics process of the propagation model is described by using the mean-field equations. Secondly, the equilibrium point and the basic regeneration number of the model are solved, and the existence and stability of the equilibrium point are discussed. Then, numerical simulations are used to analyze the effects of different factors on rumor propagation patterns. The results show that the rumor-spreading rate α2 has the greatest effect on rumor propagation. With the increase in α2, the degree of influence of the hesitator-converting rate α1 on the scale of rumor propagation first increases and then decreases. Different rumor-refuting ways have different inhibiting effects on the spread of rumors. Finally, based on the results of the theoretical proving and numerical analysis, some targeted measures to control the spread of rumors are proposed.