Endogenous dynamics of rumor spreading and debunking considering the influence of attitude: An agent-based modeling approach

Rumor and debunking help create one another, but their endogenous dynamics are still worth further exploration. Relatedly, although attitude is important during the communication process, this indispensable element has been underrepresented for rumors as a specific kind of communication. The study first uses the balance logic to reveal the fundamental influence of attitude on rumor-related interactions at the individual level; Based on the innovation diffusion perspective and social judgment theory, the study constructs a conceptual framework and mathematical models of endogenous dynamics of rumor spreading and debunking considering the influence of attitude. Using an agent-based modeling approach, the study conducts systematic computational experiments. The results show that both attitude distribution and attitude interaction structure influence the endogenous dynamics, and the two types of factors interact with each other. The study explains debunking without official rebuttal endogenously, exposes debunking may not result in the intended outcome, and illustrates focusing only on rumor spreaders would always underestimate the impact of rumors systematically.