Download This PaperDebunking Rumors in Networks
38 Pages Posted: 15 Oct 2019
Date Written: October 14, 2019
Abstract
We study the diffusion of a true and a false opinion (the rumor) in a social network. Upon hearing an opinion, individuals may believe it, disbelieve it, or debunk it through costly verification. Whenever the truth survives in steady state, so does the rumor. Online social communication exacerbates relative rumor prevalence as long as it increases homophily or verification costs. Our model highlights that successful policies in the fight against rumors increase individuals’ incentives to verify.
Keywords: Social Networks, Rumors, Verification
JEL Classification: D83, D85
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Merlino, Luca and Tabasso, Nicole, Debunking Rumors in Networks (October 14, 2019). University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Dept. of Economics Research Paper Series No. 29/WP/2019 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3469490 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3469490
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