Coordination Games on Multiplex Networks: Consensus and Convergence of Opinion Dynamics

Shiu, Ruey-An; Naghizadeh, Parinaz

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130286 Copy

Description

Title

Coordination Games on Multiplex Networks: Consensus and Convergence of Opinion Dynamics

Author(s)

• Shiu, Ruey-An
• Naghizadeh, Parinaz

Issue Date

2025-09-17

Keyword(s)

• Opinion dynamics
• Coordination games
• Multiplex networks
• Consensus

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for analyzing opinion dynamics when agents’ opinions are shaped by multiple (social) networks but at different frequencies. Building on an existing baseline single-layer model, we model opinion updates as a coordination game on a multiplex network, where agents adjust their opinions by minimizing a local cost function aiming to maintain opinions close to their neighbors’, with the neighbors selected for coordination periodically alternating across different networks. Crucially, we show that even when no individual network converges to a consensus opinion on its own, the combined multiplex structure can still enable global consensus, and also conversely, that networks supporting coordination in isolation may fail to do so when interconnected. We provide insights into when and why cross-network interactions generate emergent coordination or lead to instability. Specifically, using random-walk theory and spectral analysis, we derive sufficient conditions for consensus, characterize convergence rates, and assess stability under network perturbations. Our results shed light on how multilayer interactions shape opinion evolution, and offer insights about how the timing of interactions across multiple interconnected online and/or offline networks may impact consensus.

Publisher

Allerton Conference on Communication, Control, and Computing

Series/Report Name or Number

2025 61st Allerton Conference on Communication, Control, and Computing Proceedings

ISSN

2836-4503

Type of Resource

Text

Genre of Resource

Conference Paper/Presentation

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130286&&

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 is held by Ruey-An Shiu and Parinaz Naghizadeh.

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