Global Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of a Rumor Propagation Model with Two Discrete Delays in Social Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we improve an Ignorant-Lurker-Spreader-Removal (ILSR) rumor propagation model as in [Yang et al., 2019] in social networks with consideration to Logistic growth and two discrete delays. First, we prove the existence of equilibrium points by calculating the basic reproduction number according to the next generation matrix. Regarding the two discrete delays as bifurcating parameters, the local asymptotical stability and Hopf bifurcation of the positive equilibrium point are discussed for six different scenarios by analyzing the characteristic equations of linearized systems. Applying the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, some important conclusions about the stability and direction of bifurcating periodic solution are given when the two time delays are equal. Subsequently we study the global stability of the equilibrium points by constructing Lyapunov functions when the two delays disappear. Finally, we verify the conclusions through numerical simulations and perform sensitivity analysis on the basic reproduction numbers.