A research team at the University of Liege, Belgium, has devised a computer simulation of how opinions can change, both within a closed community, and when two groups with divergent views communicate with each other. The persistence of divided viewpoints was shown to be dependent on the number of links between the two communities. Further work will be performed on a more realistic model, encompassing a larger number of opinions.

A computer model of the way opinions evolve in social networks has shown why two groups holding opposing views can quickly become reconciled or remain at odds.

Source: New Scientist