A survey on the fusion process in opinion dynamics

A review of the framework and formulation of opinion dynamics as well as some basic models, extensions, and applications are presented and several open problems are proposed for future research.

Abstract

Opinion dynamics is a fusion process of individual opinions, in which a group of interacting agents continuously fuse their opinions on the same issue based on established fusion rules to reach a consensus, polarization, or fragmentation in the final stage. To date, many studies have been conducted on opinion dynamics. To provide a clear perspective on the fusion process in opinion dynamics, this paper presents a review of the framework and formulation of opinion dynamics as well as some basic models, extensions, and applications. Based on the insights gained from prior studies, several open problems are proposed for future research.