# American Institute of Mathematical Sciences

September  2015, 10(3): 477-509. doi: 10.3934/nhm.2015.10.477

## Opinion dynamics under the influence of radical groups, charismatic leaders, and other constant signals: A simple unifying model

 1 Bayreuth University, Universitaetsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany 2 Bremen University, Bibliotheksstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany

Received  December 2014 Revised  March 2015 Published  July 2015

By a simple extension of the bounded confidence model, it is possible to model the influence of a radical group, or a charismatic leader on the opinion dynamics of normal' agents that update their opinions under both, the influence of their normal peers, and the additional influence of the radical group or a charismatic leader. From a more abstract point of view, we model the influence of a signal, that is constant, may have different intensities, and is heard' only by agents with opinions, that are not too far away. For such a dynamic a Constant Signal Theorem is proven. In the model we get a lot of surprising effects. For instance, the more intensive signal may have less effect; more radicals may lead to less radicalization of normal agents. The model is an extremely simple conceptual model. Under some assumptions the whole parameter space can be analyzed. The model inspires new possible explanations, new perspectives for empirical studies, and new ideas for prevention or intervention policies.
Citation: Rainer Hegselmann, Ulrich Krause. Opinion dynamics under the influence of radical groups, charismatic leaders, and other constant signals: A simple unifying model. Networks & Heterogeneous Media, 2015, 10 (3) : 477-509. doi: 10.3934/nhm.2015.10.477
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