The Evolution of Public Opinion in Social Simulation

A method to research the critical point and opinion leader in the evolution of public opinion is proposed. It is assumed that individuals have two attributes: the individual opinions and the persistence of them, which can be corrected by two additional factors: the level of trust and the range of experience between individuals. Using the above four properties of individuals, the interaction rules between individuals are set, and the evolutionary model of public opinion is established. From the simulation results, the critical point 62% can bring qualitative change in the evolution of public opinion, and the number and distribution of opinion leaders can influence the direction of the evolution of public opinion. Based on the above conclusions, we can get some ideas and methods to manage public opinion.