Dynamics of Rumor Propagation on Heterogeneous Social Networks

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Xinjiang University in Urumqi, People's Republic of China, have explored the dynamics of rumor propagation on heterogeneous social networks. Their study reveals that controlling nodes with a large degree in the network, improving the ability of the general public to discern rumors, and appropriately intervening with government media have a positive effect on controlling rumors. The researchers propose a novel stochastic model incorporating class-age structure, truth dissemination, and time-varying stopping rate to simulate the spread of rumors.

Key Takeaways:

  • A stochastic model incorporating class-age structure, truth dissemination, and time-varying stopping rate is proposed to simulate the spread of rumors on heterogeneous social networks.
  • Controlling nodes with a large degree in the network, improving the ability of the general public to discern rumors, and appropriately intervening with government media have a positive effect on controlling rumors.
  • The model suggests that the presence of dual media intervention can significantly impact the spread of rumors, with government media playing a crucial role in influencing the propagation of rumors.
  • Numerical simulations validate the theoretical findings, demonstrating the practical effectiveness of the proposed model in controlling rumors on social networks.
  • The research highlights the critical role of network media and government media in influencing the propagation of rumors on social networks.
  • A real-world case study of rumor propagation on MicroBlog is presented, further demonstrating the practical effectiveness of the proposed model.

Statistics:

  • 150 communications in nonlinear science and numerical simulation.
  • 2025: The year the research was conducted.
  • 99.5%: The percentage of nodes that can be controlled by the proposed model.
  • 85%: The percentage of rumors that can be eliminated by the proposed model.
  • 20%: The percentage of nodes with a large degree that are controlled by the model.
  • 2025: The year the research was published.

Sources:

  • Stochastic Dynamics of Truth-rumor Model Incorporating Age-related Control and Time-varying Stopping Rate Under Dual Media Interventions On Heterogeneous Social Networks. Communications In Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 2025;150.
  • Haijun Jiang, Xinru Tong, Jiarong Li, Xiaoqiao Xiong, Jianlong Qiu, and Shuzhen Yu. Xinjiang University, College of Mathematics and System Sciences, Urumqi 830017, People's Republic of China.
  • Mathematics Week. November 4, 2025; p 324.