Sentiment contagion in complex networks

Sentiment contagion such as the spread of panic in emergencies is a common phenomenon in human society. Considering the difference between sentiment contagion and epidemic contagion, we define the transition probabilities of the binary emotional state (optimism, pessimism) and establish a sentiment contagion model. Transition equations are given in a homogeneous network and the stability of the zero solution is discussed. Also the Monte Carlo method is used for numerical simulation in the inhomogeneous networks. Simulation results show that the overall tendency of sentiment variation in the BA scale-free network is similar in the homogeneous network. Furthermore, the assimilation and weight combination exert influences on sentiment contagion.