Optimal Verification of Rumors in Networks

30 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2024

See all articles by Luca Paolo Merlino

Luca Paolo Merlino

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

NICOLE TABASSO

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Abstract

We study the diffusion of a true and a false message when agents are biased and able to verify messages. As a recipient of a rumor who verifies it becomes informed of the truth, a higher rumor prevalence can increase the prevalence of the truth. We uncover conditions such that this happens and discuss policy implications. Specifically, a planner aiming to maximize the prevalence of the truth should allow rumors to circulate if: verification overcomes ignorance of messages, transmission of information is relatively low, and the planner’s budget to induce verification is neither too low nor too high.

Keywords: Social Networks, Rumors, Verification

Suggested Citation

Merlino, Luca Paolo and TABASSO, NICOLE, Optimal Verification of Rumors in Networks. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4873554 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4873554

Luca Paolo Merlino

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

NICOLE TABASSO (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

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