Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer

Zhong, Xiaojing; Zheng, Yawen; Xie, Junxian; Xie, Ying; Peng, Yuqing

doi:10.3390/math12030462

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer

by

Xiaojing Zhong

¹,

Yawen Zheng

¹,

Junxian Xie

²,

Ying Xie

^3,* and

Yuqing Peng

^4,*

¹

School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China

²

School of Culture and Creativity, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519000, China

³

School of Public Administraion, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China

⁴

School of Journalism and Communication, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Mathematics 2024, 12(3), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12030462

Submission received: 15 December 2023 / Revised: 18 January 2024 / Accepted: 29 January 2024 / Published: 31 January 2024

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Complex Networks: Models, Algorithms, and Applications)

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Abstract

In the era of self-media, the spontaneity and anonymity of information dissemination have led to a surge in rumors, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity. This paper introduces a novel dual-layer

V R - S H I_{1} I_{2} R

rumor control model for studying collaborative rumor-debunking efforts. Utilizing mathematical modeling and simulation methods, we propose key thresholds for rumor propagation from both theoretical and simulation perspectives, and explore optimal methods for rumor control. Our model is validated with real data from actual cases, confirming its accuracy and the effectiveness. The study shows that without intervention, rumors will spread rapidly. Both constant and dynamically optimized control significantly slow down the spread of rumors. However, dynamic optimization control significantly reduces control costs compared to fixed control schemes. Moreover, we find that controlling only the media layer is insufficient. These findings highlight the importance of meticulous approaches to rumor control in the digital age.

Keywords: collaborative debunking strategy; public refutation; information distortion; propagation efficacy; optimal control

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MDPI and ACS Style

Zhong, X.; Zheng, Y.; Xie, J.; Xie, Y.; Peng, Y. Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer. Mathematics 2024, 12, 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12030462

AMA Style

Zhong X, Zheng Y, Xie J, Xie Y, Peng Y. Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer. Mathematics. 2024; 12(3):462. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12030462

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zhong, Xiaojing, Yawen Zheng, Junxian Xie, Ying Xie, and Yuqing Peng. 2024. "Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer" Mathematics 12, no. 3: 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12030462

APA Style

Zhong, X., Zheng, Y., Xie, J., Xie, Y., & Peng, Y. (2024). Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer. Mathematics, 12(3), 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/math12030462

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

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Multi-Agent Collaborative Rumor-Debunking Strategies on Virtual-Real Network Layer

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