Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Disinformation in Social Networks and Bots: Simulated Scenarios of Its Spread from System Dynamics

Version 1 : Received: 17 February 2022 / Approved: 18 February 2022 / Online: 18 February 2022 (11:37:09 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Guzmán Rincón, A.; Carrillo Barbosa, R.L.; Segovia-García, N.; Africano Franco, D.R. Disinformation in Social Networks and Bots: Simulated Scenarios of Its Spread from System Dynamics. Systems 2022, 10, 34. Guzmán Rincón, A.; Carrillo Barbosa, R.L.; Segovia-García, N.; Africano Franco, D.R. Disinformation in Social Networks and Bots: Simulated Scenarios of Its Spread from System Dynamics. Systems 2022, 10, 34.

Abstract

Social networks have become the scenario with the greatest potential for the circulation of disinformation, hence there is a growing interest in understanding how this type of information is spread, especially in relation to the mechanisms used by disinformation agents such as bots, trolls, among others. In this scenario, the potential of bots to facilitate the spread of disinformation is recognised, however, the analysis of how they do this is still in its initial stages. Taking into consideration what was previously stated, this paper aimed to model and simulate scenarios of disinformation propagation in social networks caused by bots based on the dynamics of this mechanism documented in the literature. For achieving the purpose, System dynamics was used as the main modelling technique. The results present a mathematical model, as far as disinformation by this mechanism is concerned, and the simulations carried out against the increase in the rate of activation and deactivation of bots. Thus, the preponderant role of social networks in controlling disinformation through this mechanism, and the potential of bots to affect citizens, is recognised.

Keywords

Disinformation; social networks; bots; model

Subject

Computer Science and Mathematics, Computer Science

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