Spread Mechanism and Control Strategies of Rumor Propagation Model Considering Rumor Refutation and Information Feedback in Emergency Management

Abstract

The rumor-free equilibrium state and rumor-endemic equilibrium state are two symmetric descriptions of the status of a system. The constant spreading of rumors would affect the smooth operation of emergency management procedures and cause unnecessary social and economic loss. To reduce the negative effect of rumor propagation, in this paper, we introduce a compartmental model of rumor propagation, which considers the rumor refutation of public and information feedback. By deriving mean-field equations that describe the dynamics of the model, we use analytical and numerical solutions of these equations to investigate the threshold and dynamics of the model in both the closed system and open system. The results imply that the initial equilibrium point is not stable and there exists a rumor-free equilibrium point; in the open system, there exists a threshold beyond which rumors can spread; the stability of the initial equilibrium point is related to the threshold R0 = (φ*α)/μ, and there exists a rumor-endemic equilibrium point. The development process of rumor propagation can be divided into four stages: latent period, progressive period, intense period, and recession period. Under the influence of population, rumor spreading can exceed the threshold readily because the migration rate μ is usually less than the proportion of ignorants without critical ability φ, and the rumor spreading process in an open system presents a fluctuating development, the rumor would not disappear in this autonomous system. Based on the analysis, we propose some measures, such as providing open and efficient information queries and exchange platforms, etc.