A generalized voter model with time-decaying memory on a multilayer network

• Published in: Physica A Vol. 458; pp. 95 - 105
• Main Authors: Zhong, Li-Xin, Xu, Wen-Juan, Chen, Rong-Da, Zhong, Chen-Yang, Qiu, Tian, Shi, Yong-Dong, Wang, Li-Liang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.09.2016
• Subjects: Coupling; Decay rate; Heterogeneity; Multilayer network; Multilayers; Networks; Peer pressure; Thresholds; Time ​decay; Transition points; Voter model; Voters; Peer pressure; Voter model; Time ​decay; Multilayer network
• ISSN: 0378-4371; 1873-2119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2016.03.089

By incorporating a multilayer network and time-decaying memory into the original voter model, we investigate the coupled effects of spatial and temporal accumulation of peer pressure on the consensus. Heterogeneity in peer pressure and the time-decaying mechanism are both shown to be detrimental to the consensus. We find the transition points below which a consensus can always be reached and above which two opposed opinions are more likely to coexist. Our mean-field analysis indicates that the phase transitions in the present model are governed by the cumulative influence of peer pressure and the updating threshold. We find a functional relation between the consensus threshold and the decay rate of the influence of peer is found. As to the pressure. The time required to reach a consensus is governed by the coupling of the memory length and the decay rate. An intermediate decay rate may greatly reduce the time required to reach a consensus. •Multilayer network and time-decaying memory are incorporated into the voter model.•Heterogeneity in peer pressure and time-decaying mechanism are detrimental to the consensus.•Convergence time is governed by the coupled memory length and decay rate, and transitions are found.