A model of fuzzy opinion dynamics

Discrete and continuous opinion dynamics models have been widely studied in the contexts of social dynamics and group decision-making. However, the fuzziness of opinion is less well-concerned in existing contributions. Based on the fuzzy set theory, a fuzzy opinion dynamics model is proposed in this work. In our model, individual opinion is represented by the fuzzy number to reflect the stubbornness and tolerant attitude during the process of reaching an agreement. The similarity of coupled fuzzy numbers is assigned as the probability while exchanging opinions. Through numerical simulation, we observe that the fuzziness of opinion plays an important role. Another finding is that the fuzzy level and the number of remaining opinions in equilibrium demonstrates power-law distribution in the well-mixed population. The results of this study indicate that stubborn opinions lead to widespread local convergence and tolerant opinions generate a global agreement in the process of exchanging opinions among individuals.