Simulations of Opinion Formation in Multi-Agent Systems Using Kinetic Theory

In this paper we formulate the problem of opinion formation using a physical metaphore. We consider a multiagent system where each agent is associated with an opinion and interacts with any other agent. Interpreting the agents as the molecules of a gas, we model the evolution of opinion in the system according to a kinetic model based on the analysis of interactions among agents. From a microscopic description of each interaction between two agents, we derive the stationary profiles of the opinion under given assumption. Results show that, depending on the average opinion and on the parameters of the model, different profiles can be found, but all stationary profiles are characterized by the presence just of one or two maxima. Analytic results are confirmed by simulations shown in the last part of the paper.